Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/378880
TRENDS AND TIDBITS Caterpillar, the company that helps countries develop their infrastructure, energy and natural resources around the world, now has a plant in Athens, Georgia. With $55,656 billion in sales and revenues (2013), Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. Its new 8,500 square-foot manufacturing facility sits on 200 acres near Athens, straddling the Clarke and Oconee County lines. Caterpillar plans to manufacture mini-hydraulic excavators and track-type tractors for South and North American and European markets at the new facility. Opened last October, the facility already employs 600 employees. It plans to hire a total of 1,400 workers by 2018, according to Michael White, human resources manager of the Athens facility, which is part of Caterpillar's Building Construction Products Division. In addition, an impact report estimates another 2,800 jobs will be added to the community through supplier companies and the local real estate and retailers. Athens, Georgia was attrac- tive for a variety of reasons, White said, including the state's 200-acre site, its positive business climate, its proximity to customers on the Eastern seaboard via Georgia's ports and its convenience to division headquarters in North Carolina. "We liked the overall logistics and the strong manufacturing base in Georgia," said White. " e help we've had from the Technical College System of Georgia has been invaluable. Before we even opened, Athens Technical College off ered us temporary offi ce space and built a Quick Start training facility for our custom- ized training needs." Quick Start is the Technical College System of Georgia's workforce development program for new and expanding businesses. Caterpillar works with nearby technical colleges to recruit skilled workers. Welding and manufacturing opera- tions specialist graduates are in particular demand. "We've hired about 90 welders and will continue to need workers with that skill," said White. "Having a welding background or training from a technical college or trade school program is a qualifi cation for those positions." e majority of jobs are manufacturing production jobs, including assemblers, welders, quality control technicians and supervisors. "Our workers come from a wide range of backgrounds. Some have bachelor degrees, some are students at North Georgia, Lanier and Athens technical colleges, and others are interns from local high schools," said White. Production employees go through three-to- six weeks of Caterpillar training through Georgia Quick Start. e company also has positions in supply chain logis- tics, manufacturing engineering, design engineering, human resources and accounting. Strong work ethics are woven into the company culture. "Cater- pillar believes in values in action, so when we interview prospec- tive employees, we're looking for people who demonstrate integ- rity, excellence, teamwork, and commitment," said White. ● www.ajc.com/news, By Laura Raines, July Who's hiring? Caterpillar Trends continued on page 19 I DA U N I V E R S A L S e p te m b e r - O c to b e r 2 0 1 4 17