Caterpillar to open second Thailand plant

Caterpillar is to expand its manufacturing operations in Thailand by building a new facility to produce medium track-type tractors for use in construction.

Construction of the 40000 m² factory will begin this year at the Hemaraj Rayong Industrial Land in Rayong Province, where Caterpillar is currently already building another manufacturing facility for underground mining equipment.

Tom Bluth, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for earthmoving, said the expansion of the company's manufacturing operations in Thailand would increase capacity for its existing range of medium track-type tractors. He said the company was "sharpening its focus on meeting long-term customer demand in growth markets".

Rich Lavin, Caterpillar president with responsibility for construction industries and growth markets said the company was banking on long term demand from developing markets.

"The ongoing infrastructure development plans for the world's growth markets combined with a long-term trend toward urbanisation and growing wealth in emerging economies should continue to help drive long-term demand for construction equipment," Mr Lavin said.

Production at the new factory is scheduled to start in late 2013.