Area Development
Caterpillar Inc. plans to invest $33 million to expand its manufacturing facilities in Johnston County, North Carolina, and create 199 jobs over the next five years according to an announcement made by Gov. Bev Perdue.

Based in Peoria, Illinois, Caterpillar is the world's largest maker of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines.

Specifically, Caterpillar will expand its existing operations in Clayton whic are are part of its Building Construction Products (BCP) division. Upon completion, this facility will be the global source for several models of small wheel loaders produced by Caterpillar. Engineering and design work for BCP products also will take place at a new engineering and test facility located near the Clayton plant.

The average wage for the new positions will be $41,466 (plus benefits); about $10,000 higher than the average annual wage in the county.

The project was made possible in part by various state incentives, including a $400,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund, and a Job Development Investment Grant that could yield $1.644 million in maximum benefits for the company if it meets certain targets for nine years.