GSA Daily Staff Report
Published March 16, 2010

Caterpillar Inc. is making a multi-year capital investment to expand the Newberry generator set facility it opened in 2006. The facility is part of Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division, and employment is expected to increase by about 500.

“The expansion of our Newberry operation is part of the Electric Power Division’s strategic global manufacturing plan for better serving our customers,” said Joseph Mulay, Newberry facility manager for Caterpillar. “South Carolina has been an excellent fit for our company, and we are pleased to be increasing operations at our Newberry facility. We appreciate the continued support we have received from the state Department of Commerce and local officials in Newberry County."

Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division includes global design, packaging and marketing responsibilities for Caterpillar electric power generation products, including U.S. locations in South Carolina, Illinois, Indiana and Georgia and international locations in Northern Ireland, India, China and Brazil. The division includes products branded with the FG Wilson, Olympian and Caterpillar names.

“Newberry County could not be more pleased with today’s announcement,” said County Council Chairman Henry Livingston. “It is always positive to see an existing industry grow and continue to invest in the community. Most importantly, it brings much needed quality job opportunities to the citizens of Newberry County.”

The Newberry facility currently produces a range of diesel gensets under 200 kilowatts for the North American market. It also produces a limited range of products in the 250 to 700 kw range.

The expansion plan would increase genset production in the 250-1,250 kw range primarily for North American customers. These gensets are typically used as backup power for smaller retail operations, homes, farms and in municipal applications.

“As we work to compete in today’s global economy, our state's commitment to lowering taxes, reducing regulatory burdens and maintaining a pro-business environment is critical,” said Gov. Mark Sanford. “Today’s announcement to create 500 new jobs is indeed a sign that we are moving in the right direction, and we remain committed to further enhancing the state’s business environment to allow our existing businesses, like Caterpillar, to be more competitive during these challenging economic times.”

The company plans to begin hiring for the new positions in the coming months. Individuals interested in job opportunities are encouraged to click here.

“Today’s expansion announcement by Caterpillar further demonstrates the strong work ethic that exists here in Central South Carolina,” said Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple. “Caterpillar is the world's largest manufacturer of high-speed diesel generator sets and engines and we could not be prouder to have them in Newberry County. We offer a lot of unique and distinct business advantages to companies that have a direct impact on the bottom line including a superior transportation network, a deep water seaport and employees that are highly productive with the skills to make best in class products.”