Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Caterpillar Inc. has informed employees at its Wamego facility that Solar Turbines, a Caterpillar subsidiary, will assume ownership of the plant, according to a company spokesperson. Solar Turbines will continue manufacturing operations at the site and retain the current workforce. The Times Pottawatamie County reported that Caterpillar previously announced in June 2024 that the Wamego plant would close by mid-summer 2025. The facility had been listed for sale at $11.5 million.

According to its website, Solar Turbines provides energy solutions using turbomachinery for power generation and motor-driven compression systems in the 1–39 megawatt range. The company describes itself as a global leader in delivering affordable, available, and lower-carbon energy options.

Founded in 1927 as an aircraft company, Solar Turbines expanded through both world wars and the Great Depression. Notable milestones include developing the Jupiter engine in 1956 and contributing to NASA’s Apollo 12 mission in 1969. It became a Caterpillar subsidiary in 1984.

It remains unclear what specific products Solar Turbines will manufacture in Wamego.