County Modifies Incentives Grant To Caterpillar

Johnston County Commissioners have agreed to modify an Economic Development Incentive Grant awarded to Caterpillar in 2012.

NC Governor Bev Perdue made the announcement 5 years ago that Caterpillar, the largest maker of construction and mining equipment, would expand its manufacturing faculties in Clayton creating 199 jobs over the next 5 years and investing $33 million.

Caterpillar has since added 108 full-time jobs and made capital investments in excess of $33 million in Clayton.

“We are so fortunate to have Caterpillar in Johnston County,” stated Chris Johnson, Economic Development Director for Johnston County. “Due to changes in the market and automation production advancements, Caterpillar was unable to meet the original state job creation goal of 199.  As a result, we worked cooperatively with Caterpillar to amend the county grant agreement and adjusted the grant percentage for the remaining years on the grant.  We appreciate Caterpillar’s continued commitment to Johnston County.”

Caterpillar has expended its Building Construction Products (BCP) Division since the 2012 announcement.

While individual wages for jobs vary by job function, the overall average for the new jobs created has been $41,466, plus benefits. The

In December 2008, Caterpillar announced hundreds of workers at their plants in Clayton and Sanford would be laid off, citing a “challenging global business environment.”  Officials never publicly disclosed the exact number of workers impacted at the two local facilities.

Caterpillar recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in Johnston County.