Caterpillar has announced it has undertaken a study that could lead to a new hydraulic excavator facility being built in the United States. Such a move could triple the current capacity of hydraulic excavators now produced by the company in the U.S. and significantly increase Caterpillar’s employment in the U.S. dedicated to excavator production.
“The study is based on the current analysis of where the global excavator market is heading and how Caterpillar should position itself for continued leadership in the excavator industry,” said Gary Stampanato, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for excavators.
Currently, the company only produces two excavator models at a facility in Aurora, Ill., where it also produces wheel loaders, soil and landfill compactors, wheel dozers and components.
If the contemplated decision is finalized, the new facility would manufacture the two models now made in Aurora, as well as several additional excavator models now produced in Japan and exported to the United States.
“The excavator business is highly competitive and continues to evolve with a diverse and growing number of manufacturers around the world,” Stampanato added. “As the global leader in the construction and mining equipment industry, it is imperative for Caterpillar to refine its excavator manufacturing strategy in order to provide customers with the products that will make them more productive and profitable.”
Source: Caterpillar
