Manhattan Tech aims to provide assistance following Caterpillar’s decision to shutter Wamego facility in 2025

With the recent announcement of Caterpillar shutting down in Wamego, Manhattan Area Technical College is looking to lend a hand to the displaced workers who are looking for a new job.

MATC President Jim Genandt says that he has reached out to the county and listed some ways the college will be lending a hand.

Genandt said that the decision was quite surprising for the college.

Genandt says that while unfortunate that Caterpillar is shutting down, situations like this is why they have a facility in Wamego.

Genandt says the main goal of the college is to provide more opportunities for those workers as well as attract potential businesses to come to that space left opened by Caterpillar’s departure.

Earlier this week, Pott County ECODEVO, the City of Wamego, Pottawatomie County and the Wamego and Manhattan Area Chambers of Commerce issued a joint statement, expressing disappointment in the news of Caterpillar’s impending closure of its Wamego facility in 2025.

June 10, 2024, Wamego, KS– We are disappointed to have to address the recent announcement regarding the closure of Wamego’s Caterpillar Facility, one of the largest employers in Wamego. This news has undoubtedly caused significant concern among our community, as Caterpillar has been an integral part of our local economy and a key source of livelihood for many families.

We recognize the profound impact this closure will have on our residents, and we want to assure you that Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC), the City of Wamego, Pottawatomie County, and the Wamego Chamber of Commerce are committed to supporting all affected employees and their families during this challenging time in addition to our regional partners through the Greater Manhattan Partnership, the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.

We are already mobilizing to provide immediate resources and implement long-term strategies, including the development of a comprehensive regional taskforce to ensure efficient and thorough action.  Additionally, efforts are being accelerated to attract new industries and businesses to the region. This may include incentives for businesses that can provide stable employment opportunities and contribute to the economic diversification of our region. 

Our number one priority will be to access the assets available as efficiently and inexpensively as possible to minimize the negative impact on the approximately 300 people employed here by the company. 

We understand the uncertainty and anxiety this situation brings, but we remain hopeful and resolute in our efforts to turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth and renewal. Our commitment to the well-being of our community is unwavering, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our community emerges from this stronger and more resilient.