Caterpillar plans $1 billion investment in North Carolina manufacturing
Caterpillar Inc. plans to invest approximately $1 billion in North Carolina to expand manufacturing capacity for compact equipment, including compact track loaders and telehandlers.
The investment includes plans for a new manufacturing facility in Sanford, North Carolina, designed to increase production capacity. The project is part of the company’s Cat Compact strategy, which focuses on serving small contractors and growing businesses.
“As demand for compact equipment continues to increase, we’re investing to better serve this growing segment of customers,” said Caterpillar Construction Industries Group President Rod Shurman. “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 in construction, landscaping, agriculture and material handling applications. The machines support material handling, jobsite operations and other tasks.
The planned facility is expected to incorporate automation, digital production systems and integrated logistics capabilities. Caterpillar said the investment is intended to improve manufacturing safety, quality and operational performance.
The company selected North Carolina because of its existing presence in the state, the local workforce and established manufacturing 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,” said Shurman.
Caterpillar expects the project to create advanced manufacturing job opportunities and provide employees with opportunities to develop skills in automation, robotics and digital manufacturing.
