By admin 
SANFORD, N.C. (WNCN) — After hiring 600 new Sanford workers starting last spring, Caterpillar announced Wednesday that a new $1 billion plant is planned for those employees to build compact track loaders.
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Before the 600 workers were hired, heavy equipment maker Caterpillar already had 2,000 employees working at an existing plant just north of Sanford. That plant will continue in operation, officials said.
The new plant will have “a more technology-enabled manufacturing environment” for the newer workers as demand continues for compact track loaders, according to a statement from Caterpillar.
The new plant will also build “Telehandlers,” which are material handlers that combine a forklift for reach and a crane to lift items.
“As demand for compact equipment continues to increase, we’re investing to better serve this growing segment of customers,” Caterpillar Construction Industries Group President Rod Shurman said in a news release.
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Caterpillar, located on Womack Road, has been in the Sanford area for more than 25 years.
Officials said North Carolina was selected for the new plant because of Caterpillar’s longstanding presence in the state, the strength of the local workforce, and “the opportunity to build on existing manufacturing expertise and operations in Sanford.”
Caterpillar said the new plant is expected to feature advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, digital production systems and integrated logistics capabilities
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