Caterpillar’s new line of mining shovels, trucks

SUPPLIERS NEWS

Despite an already strong presence in the mining industry, Caterpillar (CAT-N) has boosted its role through a series of new products specifically geared for mining.

Caterpillar has announced plans to produce a series of mining shovels from 125-ton to 800-ton models and to amp production of mining haulage trucks. The added truck capacity and shovel development program will cost US$700 million.

The company expects to begin pilot production of the new shovels in early 2011 at its manufacturing facility in Aurora, Ill., and looks to increase production capacity for the trucks at its Decatur, Ill., plant and its manufacturing facility near Chennai, India.

“The increased production in India and Decatur will better position the company to serve our mining customers in every region of the world, with a particular focus on the growing demand and customer base in the emerging markets of Asia and in Russia,” said Chris Curfman, president of Caterpillar Global Mining, in a statement.

The expansion at Decatur, which produces Caterpillar’s largest mining truck, the 797F series, will increase capacity by 30% and double capabilities at Chennai, home to Caterpillars’ 60-and 100-ton trucks.

“This investment of nearly US$700 million demonstrates our commitment to Caterpillar mining customers around the world. It also is a great example of the job-creation benefits of global trade, as well over 60 percent of the large mining products made at our Illinois facilities are exported outside of the United States,” said Doug Oberhelman, CEO-elect of Caterpillar, in a statement.

Caterpillar is also building on its electric-drive mining truck line.