PTMW Inc. to expand in Shawnee Co., bring 182 new jobs

TOPEKA (KSNT) - A Topeka manufacturing business is expanding after making a deal up to $1.6 million with Shawnee County and the capital city.

On Wednesday, Sept. 11 Topeka and Shawnee County's Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) approved an agreement aiding the expansion of PTMW Inc., a metal fabrication and assembly facility. According to a news release from Go Topeka, the business, previously known as "Project Queen Bee", is expected to bring 182 new jobs, with salaries ranging from $80,000 to $120,000, to the area.

"We are proud to call the capital city 'home' and are excited to expand our footprint here," Ashley Bettis, President of PTMW Inc, said. "GO Topeka and JEDO have been strong partners in the expansion process, and we're grateful to have their support as we move forward with our buildout. PTMW has delivered world-class manufacturing and production from the heart of the Midwest for more than 40 years. We're also a Women's Business Enterprise recognized throughout North America, certified by KDOC and the national WBENC. These project investments and the growth they spur will allow us to continue leading with excellence in the decades to come."

According to the news release, PTMW is expected to make a capital investment of $47.2 million in the project, and through JEDO, the business will be offered up to almost $1.6 million of economic development funds that will be dispersed over five years.

This investment is expected to result in a 1,782% return on investment for the community after a projected local economic impact of $1.3 billion over 10 years.

"I'm proud to see PTMW expand their presence in the community, creating more new jobs for local residents," Mike Padilla, Topeka mayor, said. "Businesses like PTMW are key to maintaining a strong local economy, as they continue to invest in and contribute to the economy vitality of our capital city."

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