Caterpillar Plans Mining Expansion
July 9, 2010
Caterpillar is increasing its industry offerings in a four-year plan that will see $700 million invested in its mining division.
First on the list of developments are new mining shovels, with models ranging from 125 to 800 tons. They’ll be manufactured next year at factories in Decatur and Aurora, Illinois.
In a news release, Caterpillar said the investment will “significantly enhance the company’s position as the leading manufacturer of products and solutions for the global mining industry.”
Cat will also increase its capacity for mining truck manufacture in 2011, upping the output of the Decatur factory by about 30 per cent.
CEO-Elect Doug Oberhelman said the company is keeping in line with what customers expect from Caterpillar: reliability, durability and support.
"This investment demonstrates our commitment to Caterpillar mining customers around the world. It also is a great example of the job-creation benefits of global trade, as well over 60 percent of the large mining products made at our Illinois facilities are exported outside of the United States," he said.
India’s Caterpillar factory is also set to swell, with the goal of producing twice as many 60-ton and 100-ton trucks in early 2012.
(With files from the Peoria Journal Star)