The Economy

Caterpillar to Expand Genset Operations in South Carolina

March 22, 2010

Peoria, Ill.-based Caterpillar Inc. plans to expand its operations in Newberry, S.C., to increase capacity for diesel- and gas-powered generator sets that are assembled there.

Josh Cable

As a result of the expansion, which will take several years, employment at the facility should increase by about 500 jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

The expansion of our Newberry operation is part of the Electric Power Divisions 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.

The Newberry facility, which opened in 2006, produces diesel gensets under 200 kilowatts for the North American market. It also produces a limited range of products in the 250- to 700-kilowatt range.

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

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.