Mayor Nancy Denson at the Athens Caterpillar Plant Grand Opening on
October, 31, 2013.
brings metamorphosis to Athens job market
A
thens’ signature colors of red and black have
taken a bit of a twist, and added yellow to the
mix, thanks to Caterpillar, the new kid in town.
Since first discussions of bringing the
international manufacturer to the Classic City, Athens citizens
welcomed the plant with open arms.
Caterpillar Operations Manager Todd Henry, who relocated to
Athens from Raleigh, N.C., recognized the outpouring of
support from the local community.
“The government and local officials have been really great to
work with and helped us keep our project timeline on plan,”
said Henry. “Even at the state level, everywhere I go, it seems
people are so excited about Caterpillar coming to Athens and
expanding our presence in the state of Georgia.”
By Marcie Hunter
And, rightfully so. The newly constructed manufacturing
facility, which will produce mini hydraulic excavators and
small track-type tractors, broke ground March 2012 and
quickly became the largest private employer in Athens and the
biggest economic development project in the state since
2006. The new $200 million facility has taken root in an
industrial plot of land that had been unoccupied for more
than 30 years. Along with its million-square-foot plant,
Caterpillar brings 1,400 jobs to the Athens area. An estimated
25 to 30 suppliers are projected to join Caterpillar in the
Athens area, establishing an additional 2,800 jobs for the
community. To top it all off, the economic impact generated
by Caterpillar is valued between $1 billion and $3 billion.
Selecting the Orkin/IBM site in Bogart for Caterpillar was no
easy feat, but has since reaped many benefits.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT www.AthensBusiness.org 706-61 3-3233