Catalyst Artificial Lift LLC, a Gainesville, Texas-based manufacturer and wholesaler of oilfield reciprocating rod pumps, announced today the purchase of a 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Iola.

The expansion of Catalyst’s Kansas operations will allow the company to grow from 22 existing positions in Allen County to 120 total employees during the next five years.

“Catalyst is very excited to move its manufacturing operations into a significantly larger space in Iola,” said Bruce Jendusa, Catalyst Artificial Lift president. “This will enable Catalyst to increase production of its existing downhole pump products and expand its downhole pump product offering.”

Allen County was designated as Rural Opportunity Zones county in 2013. Catalyst’s expansion project is the largest job announcement in the county since Russell Stover announced construction of a new plant in Iola in 1994.

“Our state and local partners have worked seamlessly to make this deal a reality,” said Allen County Commission chairman Dick Works. “The Kansas Department of Commerce, city of Iola and Iola Industries have all been excellent partners in this recruitment effort, and we are very proud to see this project come to our county.”