Caterpillar Inc. announced early Wednesday that it plans to invest approximately $1 billion in a new Sanford manufacturing facility expected to create more than 1,950 jobs, revealing the company behind the previously code-named Project Paragon.
The new facility will expand manufacturing capacity for Caterpillar’s growing Cat Compact business and increase production of compact track loaders and telehandlers, equipment used in construction, landscaping, agriculture and material handling.
The company will employ more than 1,950 people with an average annual wage of at least $65,528. The investment will include the purchase of land, construction of the manufacturing facility and machinery and equipment.
Caterpillar said the plant will be a modern, technology-enabled manufacturing operation incorporating advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, digital production systems and integrated logistics.
“As demand for compact equipment continues to increase, we’re investing to better serve this growing segment of <a href="https://bitcomme.com/the-last-mile-of-branding-is-customer-service-a-daily-culture/” title=”The last mile of branding is customer service: a daily culture”>customers,” Caterpillar Construction Industries Group President Rod Shurman said. “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.”
Caterpillar said North Carolina was selected because of the company’s existing presence in the state, the strength of the local workforce and the opportunity to build on its 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,” Shurman said.
The announcement marks another major expansion for Caterpillar in Lee County. In May, the company announced plans to add about 600 jobs at its existing facility at 5000 Womack Road in the Central Carolina Enterprise Park north of Sanford.
At the time, Caterpillar employed about 2,000 people in Lee County and was hiring for production positions in assembly, logistics and fabrication. Starting wages were around $18 an hour, with higher wages for skilled positions such as welding. The company said no previous manufacturing experience was required for many positions.
Facility Manager Gareth Jones said in May the additional jobs were intended to grow the workforce and support continued business growth.
“Our Sanford facility plays a critical role in building the compact equipment that supports solving our customers’ toughest challenges,” Jones said. “We’re continuing to invest in skilled employees who build the high-quality machines our customers expect.”
