Caterpillar is to invest around $1 billion in North Carolina to expand manufacturing capacity for its Cat Compact business, which covers compact track loaders and telehandlers.
The investment includes plans for a new manufacturing facility in Sanford, North Carolina, designed to increase production of compact track loaders and telehandlers to meet customer demand. The project supports Caterpillar’s Cat Compact strategy, which focuses on delivering a more streamlined experience for small contractors and growing businesses.
“As demand for compact equipment continues to increase, we’re investing to better serve this growing segment of customers,” says Rod Shurman, group president of Caterpillar Construction Industries. “This investment is another way we are solving our customers’ toughest challenges by expanding access to the products, solutions and services they need to work more efficiently.”
Compact track loaders and telehandlers are used across construction, landscaping, agriculture and material handling applications, moving materials, managing jobsites and supporting workforce productivity.
The facility is expected to incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, digital production systems and integrated logistics capabilities.
North Carolina was selected because of Caterpillar’s longstanding presence in the state, the strength of the local workforce, and the opportunity to build on existing manufacturing expertise and operations in Sanford.
“We appreciate the partnership and support of the State of North Carolina, Lee County and the City of Sanford as we continue investing in the future of manufacturing and the customers we serve,” says Shurman.
Caterpillar expects the project to create opportunities for advanced manufacturing careers, helping employees develop skills in areas such as automation, robotics, digital manufacturing and advanced production systems.
Image: Caterpillar
