Caterpillar Inc., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives, will locate a casting facility in Hodges, South Carolina. The company’s $13.5 million investment is projected to create 85 new jobs in Greenwood County.

To establish this facility, Caterpillar has purchased an existing 103,000-square-foot building located at 108 Corporate Court in Hodges. Slated to come online in early 2019, the facility will produce specialty castings used in a variety of engines and transmissions within the Caterpillar product line and will supplement the production of existing castings elsewhere in the Caterpillar production network.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. “We are excited to have the Hodges facility join our global manufacturing footprint. Hodges will provide Caterpillar with a cost-effective source for supply for many of our specialty iron castings. We want to thank Greenwood County community leaders and representatives from the state of South Carolina for their support throughout our evaluation of this opportunity. We look forward to our continued partnership,” said Caterpillar Large Power Systems Division Vice President Tana Utley.

“Globally-renowned industry leaders, such as Caterpillar, continue to invest in South Carolina’s world-class workforce. The 85 new jobs that this facility will create will make a major impact on Greenwood and our entire Upstate community,” said Governor Henry McMaster.

“Between our transportation infrastructure, world-renowned workforce development programs and business-friendly climate, it’s no wonder that an industry leader like Caterpillar has decided to locate its new operations in the Palmetto State. I congratulate Greenwood County on this great addition to their business community, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this partnership,” noted Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.