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for immediate release Caterpillar announces expansion in Sanford, SANFORD, N.C. — Gov. Bev Perdue announced today that Caterpillar Inc., the largest maker of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines in the world, will expand its manufacturing facilities in Lee County. The company plans to create 325 jobs over the next four years and a company supplier is expected to locate 160 jobs in North Carolina as part of the expansion, bringing the total to 485 jobs. Caterpillar will invest $28.3 million as part of the project, which was made possible in part by state grants from the Job Development Investment Grant program and One North Carolina Fund. "For the second time in less than a week, Caterpillar is making a major investment in North Carolina and strengthening its ties as a corporate citizen of the state," said Perdue. "By expanding its stake in North Carolina, Caterpillar has demonstrated that our own investments in education, worker training, transportation and infrastructure have paid off. "We have created the kind of business climate and workforce that is attracting new companies and encouraging the ones that are here to grow." Caterpillar currently employs 1,026 full-time workers in seven counties throughout the state. While individual wages for the 325 additional jobs will vary by function, the annual average for all new jobs will be $35,602, not including benefits. The company with headquarters in Illinois maintains nearly 300 operations in 40 countries and employs about 95,000 people. Locally, Caterpillar will expand its existing production of compact construction machines — including its skid steer, compact track and multi-terrain loaders. "The Sanford campus project provides Caterpillar with several key benefits that support our quest to constantly improve value for our customers," said Mary Bell, vice president of Caterpillar's Building Construction Products Division. "We appreciate the support we received from our local partners and from the State of North Carolina for our growth strategy." Lee County Economic Development worked with Central Carolina Community College and Lee County to create conditions Caterpillar needed to make expansion in Sanford possible. In the end, Caterpillar's decision will provide much-needed jobs for local families, an economic boost to the region and more stability for one of the world's most respected companies. "Major projects like these help our community remain vital and they simply can't happen in this economic environment without civic and business leaders working together," said Bob Heuts, director of the Lee County Economic Development Corp. "We appreciate how the North Carolina Department of Commerce, our community college and county officials stepped forward to take advantage of this opportunity, and we all will be much stronger as a result." The Lee County Economic Development Corp. is a nonprofit organization established to attract industry, enhance job opportunities and promote sound planning across Lee County. Funding is provided by the county, as well as the City of Sanford and Town of Broadway, the county's two municipalities. —30— contact |
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