Caterpillar Celebrates 100 Years of Innovation and Industry Leadership

Caterpillar 100 years

Caterpillar is an iconic brand, so it’s only fitting the company is going big when celebrating its 100th anniversary. Last week, Caterpillar marked its centennial with celebrations in Sanford, North Carolina, and Peoria, Illinois. While the company officially turns 100 on April 15, it will marking a century of customer-centric innovation with events throughout the year.

From the press release:

“Our success over the last 100 years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, the continued trust of our customers and the support of our dealers and business partners,” said Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby. “I am proud to lead such a strong team, and I’m confident Caterpillar will continue to help our customers build a better, more sustainable world over the next 100 years.”

In addition to the events in Sanford and Peoria, Caterpillar’s Centennial World Tour embarked on its journey to visit the company’s facilities around the world. The tour will provide an interactive and immersive experience for employees and visitors. Caterpillar is also offering limited-edition “Centennial Grey” painted machines to commemorate the occasion. These are available for purchase in 2025.

Sometime this year, Caterpillar will host the families of company founders C.L. Best and Benjamin Holt at its global headquarters in Irving, Texas. There, the families will celebrate the milestone with company leaders and employees. Here’s some background on Caterpillar’s history, via its press release:

The Holt Manufacturing Company and the C.L. Best Tractor Co. merged to form what was then known as the Caterpillar Tractor Co. in 1925. From the company’s first track-type tractor designed to pull combine harvesters in Northern California to autonomous construction and mining equipment and engines that power the world today, Caterpillar products and services have helped its customers complete infrastructure projects that have shaped the modern world. 

Celebrating 100 Years at CES

Caterpillar also celebrated its monumental 100-year legacy at CES 2025 earlier this month. The company hosted an exhibit that blended history, technology and the future of construction. Learn more at the link below.

Get more info about Caterpillar’s 100th anniversary at caterpillar.com/100.