Gov. Beverly Perdue has announced at a press conference at Forsyth Technical Community College that Caterpillar Inc. has chosen Winston-Salem for a significant manufacturing operation. The announcement represents 392 full-time jobs with an average salary of more than $36,000 per year plus benefits. The capital investment in a new building and equipment is expected to reach $426 million. An additional 100-plus jobs are expected to be created by an on-site contractor inside the new facility.
Caterpillar plans to construct an 850,000-square-foot facility on 100 acres at the corner of Union Cross Road and Temple School Road. The plant will primarily involve the production of Lower Power Train unit for Caterpillar’s Large Mining Trucks.
“We are very excited that Caterpillar has chosen Winston-Salem and Forsyth County for this operation,” said Winston-Salem Business Inc. president Bob Leak, Jr. “We have been working with the company and their consultants for the past six months and applaud the efforts of everyone involved to make it a success today. This is undoubtedly one of the largest economic development announcements in the history of our community.”
Other local officials made the following statements regarding the announcement.
Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines:
“Winston-Salem is honored to be selected by Caterpillar as the site of this new manufacturing facility. Caterpillar is a well respected, international company that will add much to the economic fabric of our community. The economic impact of over 500 jobs and $426 million of investment is very significant in the rebuilding of our economy, however equally important is the fact that this decision validates Winston-Salem as a strong and attractive location for future economic development projects.”
Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Chair David Plyler:
“Caterpillar’s decision to invest and create jobs in our community affirms my long-time belief that Forsyth County is business friendly in every way. This is truly a ‘wow’ announcement.”
Forsyth Technical Community College president Dr. Gary Green:
“As a partner with the entire Winston-Salem community, Forsyth Tech is committed to ensuring that Caterpillar will have the highly skilled workforce it needs for success from day one. The College’s certified programs in industrial technologies have been a key community asset since the Caterpillar’s first visit to Winston-Salem.”
The Spartanburg, S.C. development company Johnson Development Associates, Inc. made available the site of the future plant. Caterpillar was represented by CB Richard Ellis Consulting in Atlanta.
The announcement was made possible by a number of entities including Winston-Salem Business Inc., the City of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, Forsyth Technical Community College, the Winston-Salem Alliance, North Carolina Department of Commerce, the North Carolina Community College System and Duke Energy.
