By MATT PIKE
Last week, Summit Truck Bodies celebrated the opening of its new 220,000-square-foot facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Wathena headquarters.
The $50 million investment expands Summit's production capacity, creates room for continued growth and is expected to create 80 additional jobs. Several speakers attended the ribbon cutting, including Summit Truck Bodies CEO Kris Eidsness, Wathena Mayor John Hontz, Doniphan County economic development director Adrienne Nebling, Deputy Secretary Joshua Jefferson of the Kansas Department of Commerce, speaking on behalf of Lt. Gov. and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, and Summit Truck Bodies Plant Manager Chris Walter.
The expansion marks a major milestone for Summit Truck Bodies, which was founded in Wathena in 2003. The new facility includes 200,000 square feet of manufacturing space and 20,000 square feet of office space. It is connected to the company's existing 132,000-square-foot facility, bringing Summit's combined manufacturing and office footprint to approximately 352,000 square feet. The additional capacity will help Summit increase production of service and lube truck bodies, hydraulic cranes, tool systems and Advanced Safety Electronics controls for customers across North America.
The expansion also creates space to grow the company's sales team and strengthen parts and service support in the Midwest and beyond.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.