Caterpillar Realigns Manufacturing Operations

Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, Ill., announced a realignment of manufacturing divisions, resulting in a number of officer changes. With Jerry Palmer, vice president of the Wheel Loaders and Excavators Division, retiring at the end of the year, Caterpillar will further align core manufacturing operations and focus its product design expertise on key industry segments.

To achieve these goals, Caterpillar is creating three new divisions: the U.S. Operations Division, the Heavy Construction and Mining Division, and the Infrastructure Development Division. The new divisions will result from the restructuring of what is current currently known as Wheel Loaders and Excavators Division, Track-Type Tractors Division, and Mining and Construction Equipment Division.

“Our goal is to simplify and align common manufacturing and product development processes, replicate best practices, and further leverage technology across product platforms • all with an eye towards improving quality levels and better serving our customers,” said Jim Owens, Caterpillar's chairman and chief executive officer.

To accomplish this, Bob Williams, current vice president of Track-Type Tractors Division, will lead the U.S. Operations Division and be responsible for all manufacturing operations in Aurora, Decatur, and East Peoria, Ill. Rod Bussell, current vice president of Mining and Construction Division, will lead the Heavy Construction and Mining Division. Newly elected Vice President Gary Stampanato will head the Infrastructure Development Division. Williams and Bussell will report to Group President Gary Shaheen, and Stampanato will report to Group President Gerard Vittecoq.

These moves will be effective Jan. 1, 2007.