Cat to expand excavator plant in China
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, 21 March 2012 18:29
- Written by The Peorian
Caterpillar Inc. said Wednesday it will expand its manufacturing plant in Xuzhou, China to increase hydraulic excavator production in that country by 80 percent by 2016.
The company also announced it will begin production of wheeled excavators at that plant, Caterpillar Xuzhou Limited (CXL), in early 2014 in order to expand the range of productions it offers in China and other growth markets.
"As we have done around the world for more than 85 years, these investments in China are made with a long-term view toward the market and building out an industry-leading range of products and support services for our growing base of customers in China," said Caterpillar Chairman Doug Oberhelman, who attended the announcement of the expansion with other top company officials in Xuzhou.
"Our continued investment in China also provides a base of operations in country to support our growing exports from the United States to China. In fact, in the last seven years as we have grown our operations in China, Caterpillar's exports from the United States to China have more than doubled, supporting jobs in the United States and proving the benefits of trade for both countries," Oberhelman said.
CXL is Caterpillar's flagship for manufacturing operations in China with leading product quality, safety and employee engagement. Caterpillar has 17 facilities in China with nine more under construction.
The plan to manufacture wheeled excavators in China fits within Caterpillar's strategy for developing the widest and deepest product offering and support for the market. Currently, Caterpillar produces wheeled excavators in Grenoble, France. Production there will continue and wheeled excavators produced in China will enable the company to compete in China and other growth markets with this product.
"Caterpillar has been successfully producing excavators in China for nearly 20 years, and we are expanding our production capabilities as this market continues to grow," said Gary Stampanato, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for excavators. "Bringing production of wheeled excavators to China will give our customers more options and will position Caterpillar for continued success," Stampanato added.
