LIBERAL — A major economic development milestone is underway for southwest Kansas as Apogee Power, a Taiwan-based energy technology and advanced battery manufacturer, has selected Liberal as the site for its first U.S. manufacturing and assembly facility. The announcement, made this month, represents both a strategic step in the company’s global expansion and a significant local win for economic growth and jobs.
Located at 1600 W. Pancake Blvd. in Liberal’s industrial corridor, the facility will support the assembly, testing, and distribution of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery systems and related energy storage technologies for commercial, industrial, and grid-scale uses across the United States.
“This location allows us to serve U.S. customers more efficiently while building a durable, long-term presence in the American market,” said Wen Lin, CEO of Apogee Power. He noted that establishing a U.S. manufacturing footprint is a “critical step” in the company’s global growth strategy.
Economic Impact and Job Growth
The new facility will initially occupy approximately 20,000 square feet, with space for future expansion as demand grows. Operations are expected to include light manufacturing, system integration, quality control, and logistics, with the potential to scale production over time.
Local reporting indicates the facility is expected to create between 20 and 30 jobs initially, with the potential to grow to around 70 employees within the first few years of full operation. Engineers from Apogee will also travel to Liberal to train local workers and help build expertise in advanced energy technology manufacturing.
Kansas’ Growing Battery Manufacturing Sector
Apogee Power’s decision comes as Kansas continues to establish itself as a hub for advanced battery manufacturing. Notably, Panasonic Energy opened a massive electric vehicle battery facility in De Soto, Kansas, producing thousands of lithium-ion cells annually and creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs . These developments illustrate the state’s strategic role in the U.S. energy technology supply chain, reinforcing the economic advantages that attracted Apogee to Liberal. The growth of the battery sector not only strengthens Kansas’ manufacturing base but also positions the state as a key player in supporting renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure nationwide.
Why Liberal Was Chosen
Officials say Apogee selected Liberal for several key strategic advantages:
● Central U.S. location with access to major highways and rail networks
● Available industrial facilities ready for specialized operations
● Reliable power infrastructure necessary for advanced battery manufacturing
● A growing workforce with experience in manufacturing and industrial operations
Kansas Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Joshua Jefferson praised the decision, saying the facility highlights Kansas’ competitiveness in the growing energy technology economy. “Apogee’s investment recognizes the strength of Liberal and the talent of Kansans,” he said.
Community and Government Collaboration
Local leaders played a key role in securing the project. Eli Svaty, Executive Director of the Seward County Development Corporation, said the investment builds on the region’s strengths in energy, logistics, and advanced manufacturing. “It also signals that global technology companies see value in smaller, execution-focused communities,” Svaty said.
Liberal City Manager Scarlette Diseker and Mayor Jose Lara expressed pride in the announcement, emphasizing the collaboration between city leadership, regional partners, and state agencies to support Apogee in establishing its first North American facility.
Looking Ahead
The project marks a milestone not only for Liberal but for Kansas’ broader economic development strategy. Bringing a global company into the state’s advanced manufacturing and energy technology sectors signals potential for future growth and expansion. Local leaders noted that interest from other companies could follow as a result of Apogee’s decision to establish operations in Liberal.
While the facility’s first phase is expected to begin operations in 2026, additional details—including official ribbon-cutting dates and workforce development programs—will be announced as planning and build-out progress.
For a community like Liberal, which has worked for years to attract high-value employers, the Apogee project represents a new chapter in local economic opportunity and workforce growth.
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