Cat to open new plant in Ark.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- State officials in Arkansas say Caterpillar Inc. will open a new plant in North Little Rock that will build motor graders.

Officials say the Caterpillar plant will employ about 600 people.

The Peoria-based company says it plans to invest $140 million in the project.

Production is expected to begin in early 2010.

Motor graders are used primarily for mining applications, and a nearly full line of motor graders will be manufactured at the North Little Rock plant.

Stock in Caterpillar fell 25 cents to $46.66 in early trading Monday.