Progress Rail, a complete provider of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions, announced today that it will expand in Kansas City, creating 85 new jobs. The company is making a multi-million-dollar investment to convert its Kansas City production facility into a re-manufacturing facility through this expansion.
“Kansas City is a prime destination for transportation and logistics leaders like Progress Rail,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “We’re proud that this company is contributing to the area’s thriving rail industry through this significant investment. Progress Rail’s new facility is creating jobs while ensuring the continued growth of Kansas City’s vibrant economy.”
With a dedication to recycling and sustainability, Progress Rail’s newly converted facility will re-manufacture railcar wheelsets and bearings. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc.
“Our investment in this facility and the local community demonstrates the overall depth of the railroad business in Kansas City and Progress Rail’s commitment to keep our customers rolling with quality freight car parts and services,” said Greg Dalpe, Executive Vice President of Freight Car Services at Progress Rail. “We’re excited to expand our footprint in Kansas City and contribute to the region's ongoing growth as a national logistics hub.”
Progress Rail provides a comprehensive suite of rail solutions, including advanced EMD® locomotives and engines, trackwork, fasteners, and signaling systems. The company also delivers specialized services for locomotives and freight cars, aftermarket parts, and recycling operations. In addition, Progress Rail offers cutting-edge rail technologies such as data analytics, train automation, operational optimization, connected asset management, predictive maintenance, asset protection and tracking, and yard planning tools. These technologies empower rail operators to enhance efficiency, safety, and performance across their networks.
“Progress Rail’s expansion is another exciting win for Kansas City’s nationally recognized rail industry,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “We look forward to this company helping Missourians prosper in Kansas City as the region continues to stand out as an ideal place for industry-leading employers.”
Progress Rail expects to begin hiring in September 2025. Interested applicants can view Kansas City job openings, search, and apply at progressrail.com/careers.
For this expansion, Progress Rail will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. The company may receive assistance from Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. Missouri One Start assists eligible businesses with their recruitment and training needs.
What others are saying
“This is a strong win for Kansas City’s industrial ecosystem,” said Nathan Vanice, Business Development Officer at EDCKC. “We’re proud to have helped Progress Rail bring this project to life. Their decision to reinvest here speaks to the value of our city’s workforce, infrastructure, and location at the center of America’s freight network.”
“Kansas City is proud to welcome Progress Rail and the high-quality jobs and investment it brings to our community,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas. “This project is a powerful example of how we can reimagine and reinvest in our industrial corridors to support working families, grow our economy, and strengthen Kansas City’s position as a national transportation and logistics leader.”
“Evergy applauds Progress Rail’s expansion in Kansas City,” said David Campbell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Evergy. “We are pleased they will bring new jobs and we look forward to the revitalization of a valued property in Kansas City. Our region continues to attract a diverse range of new and expanding businesses, including logistics facilities. Progress Rail helps strengthen Kansas City’s position as a national logistics hub.”
About Progress Rail
Progress Rail, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., is one of the largest integrated and diversified providers of locomotive, freight car, and infrastructure solutions and technologies for global rail customers. Progress Rail’s deep industry expertise, together with the support of Caterpillar, ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions for the rail industry. Progress Rail has a network of nearly 150 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabi, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, India, and Australia.
To learn more about Progress Rail, visit progressrail.com.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.
About the Missouri Works Program
As the state’s number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.
About Missouri One Start
Missouri One Start is the state’s premier workforce recruitment and training division. It helps eligible businesses of all sizes stay competitive by providing customized recruitment assistance, along with resources to train and upskill new and existing employees. Its recruitment strategies and training programs are tailored to the specific workforce needs of the businesses it serves.