Chennai: Caterpillar India today announced the launch of the company’s new backhoe loader manufacturing facility in Thiruvallur, near Chennai. While the company did not disclose the investment details, it said the new facility, its fourth in the country, would strengthen the company’s presence in India and would augment the distribution channel for the earth-moving machine by bringing in enhanced local production capabilities.
Robert Droogleever, general manager for Caterpillar BHL Worldwide, who inaugurated the facility, said the demand for backhoe loaders has been gaining traction with the construction equipment industry growing at a rate of 15-20 per cent per annum.
“With local manufacturing and long-term commitment, we aim to provide a quality product that meets this growing demand and brings us closer to our aim of attaining a market leadership position,” he said.
Kevin Thieneman, country manager, (India, Asean & China) added India would make significant investments over the next several decades to build its infrastructure and support higher levels of urbanisation.
“This facility, our fourth manufacturing operation in India, positions us to meet industry growth and enables us to better serve our customers with the broadest range of products in the industry,” he said.