Caterpillar Pledges Financial Support for U.S. Manufacturing and Future Workforce Training
Caterpillar Inc. is investing in the future. The company recently announced that Indiana will be among the first states to receive funding from its five-year, $100 million workforce pledge, and has committed up to $5 million to training and upskilling efforts across the state. This pledge — which was unveiled as part of Caterpillar’s Centennial celebration — aims to grow interest in advanced manufacturing careers and prepare U.S workers for the future.
“The future workforce will need skills for what comes next,” said Caterpillar Chief Human Resources Officer Christy Pambianchi. “We have our experts working on innovative training and resources to help skill and inform the next generation on how to navigate the worksite of tomorrow, and we’re excited to be starting here in Indiana to enable U.S. workers to enter high-quality jobs in the American manufacturing industry.”
According to the press release, Caterpillar will announce future workforce pledges in other states soon. The equipment titan employs 51,000 people in the United States, including more than 4,100 workers at 12 facilities across Indiana.
“Indiana is proud to be among the first states selected for Caterpillar’s workforce investment, which is a testament to our pro-growth policies, world-class workforce, and reputation as one of the best states in America to start and grow a business,” said Governor Braun. “Caterpillar’s continued commitment to Indiana demonstrates the strength of our business climate and our shared vision for the future of American manufacturing. We look forward to working together to prepare more Hoosiers for the high-quality careers of tomorrow.”
Investing in the Future
The announcement was made at Caterpillar’s large engine facility in Lafayette, Indiana. Caterpillar recently unveiled a $725 million capital expansion at the facility, which is one of the largest single manufacturing investments in the company’s global history. This expansion will greatly increase engine production and help meet the nation’s growing power needs.
“The demand for energy is increasing like never before,” said Jason Kaiser, Caterpillar Energy & Transportation Group President. “Many of the engines manufactured here in Lafayette will support power generation customers by providing reliable power — keeping operations running during outages and helping meet the growing energy needs driven by AI, data centers and other critical infrastructure across America and around the world.”
Pam Kleineke is managing editor of Compact Equipment.
