Summit Truck Bodies has officially opened a new 220,000-square-foot facility at its headquarters in Wathena, Kansas, on September 10, 2026, marking a major milestone in the company's growth and manufacturing capabilities.
The company celebrated the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by employees, community leaders, state and local officials, and business partners. The new facility represents a $50 million investment and is expected to create 80 additional jobs while significantly expanding production capacity.
According to Summit, the expansion adds 200,000 square feet of manufacturing space and 20,000 square feet of office space. The new building is connected to the company's existing 132,000-square-foot facility, bringing its total manufacturing and office footprint to approximately 352,000 square feet.
Summit Truck Bodies
220000 sq ft expansion
Summit Truck Bodies' new 220,000-square-foot manufacturing and office facility in Wathena, Kansas, represents a $50 million investment that doubles the company's production capacity and supports future growth across North America.
Company officials said the additional capacity will support increased production of service and lube truck bodies, hydraulic cranes, tool systems, and Advanced Safety Electronics controls for customers throughout North America. Summit is also transitioning operations into the new facility while updating equipment and reconfiguring portions of its existing plant.
Joshua Jefferson, Deputy Secretary, Kansas Department of Commerce, highlighted the project's importance during the event.
"This 220,000-square-foot expansion proves that Summit Truck Bodies is all-in on new growth, doubling production capacity, supporting your workforce, reducing lead times and enhancing the overall customer experience," Jefferson said. "Summit Truck Bodies has proven that they're growing, innovating, adapting, investing and elevating the work, actively working to raise the bar."
An economic impact analysis referenced during the celebration projects more than $21 million in purchases during the first 10 years, generating economic activity that extends beyond Summit's operations into surrounding communities and businesses.
Adrienne Nebling, Doniphan County’s Economic Development Director, emphasized the broader impact of the investment.
"When we talk about this $50 million investment, we're really talking about much more than a new facility," Nebling said. "We're talking about jobs, people, housing, local businesses and the opportunity for continued growth."
Chris Walter, Plant Manager, Summit Truck Bodies, said the expansion creates opportunities for workers throughout the region while supporting the company's long-term growth plans.
"Being from Wathena, I'm excited for this addition to our town and for the future opportunities it represents to the entire area," Walter added. "This area has a lot of talented folks that are looking to better themselves and their families. You just have to provide them with the opportunities to succeed and they will find you."
Founded in 2003, Summit Truck Bodies is headquartered in Wathena, Kansas. The company is a factory-direct, vertically integrated manufacturer of service and lube truck bodies, hydraulic cranes, tool systems, and Advanced Safety Electronics controls. Its products support customers in construction, mining, utilities, oil and gas, agriculture, transportation, and heavy-equipment service operations across North America.
For more information, visit www.summitbodies.com.