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SANFORD, N.C. (WNCN) — Heavy equipment maker Caterpillar announced Wednesday that the company plans to add 600 new jobs at a Lee County plant that already employs about 2,000 workers just north of Sanford.
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The company said the openings across all shifts will be for production roles in assembly, logistics, and fabrication.
The new jobs will build compact track loaders with hourly starting wages around $18 — and higher pay for skilled roles like welding, Caterpillar officials said in a news release.
Caterpillar, located on Womack Road, has been in the Sanford area for more than 25 years.
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“The company provides on-the-job training, giving people in the community a chance to build new skills and start long-term careers,” Caterpillar officials said in the news release.
Caterpillar also said that no prior manufacturing experience is required for the new jobs.
“Our focus on delivering a best‑in‑class small and compact equipment sales experience will drive strong business growth for these products across our facilities, including Sanford,” Gareth Jones, Sanford facility manager, said in the release.
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Officials said interested applicants can apply on their website.