Area Development
Caterpillar Inc. has announced a $50 million expansion project for its West Fargo plant which includes a 225,000-sq.-ft. addition. Construction starts is August, and operations should commence June 2012. The project is expected to add 250 new jobs over a three-year period, and eventually increase total workforce numbers to about 550.

The West Fargo plant has been providing remanufactured components for the past 40 years. Its increased capacity will help the company meet the strong demand for remanufactured drive train components for large off-highway trucks and other mining equipment. The plant also will produce more of new and remanufactured piece parts and advanced wear coatings.

Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The 85-year-old company posted 2010 sales and revenues of $42.5 billion.

Greg Folley, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for the Remanufacturing & Components Division, said remanufacturing is an "attractive, growing and sustainable industry. Together with our remanufacturing facilities in Singapore and Shrewsbury, United Kingdom, we can now provide our mining customers drive train products with an unprecedented combination of availability, cost savings and support."

Caterpillar said it received support from the State of North Dakota, the City of West Fargo, and the Greater Fargo/Moorhead Economic Development Corporation to [make] this vision a reality."