Caterpillar to add 325 jobs at skid loader plant

SANFORD, N.C. -- A North Carolina factory that makes some of Caterpillar Inc.'s smallest machines will expand operations, adding 325 jobs within four years.

Locally, Cat has operations in Montgomery.

North Carolina on Thursday offered the Peoria-based heavy-equipment manufacturer up to $4 million in tax refunds and grants to expand its Sanford factory. The Caterpillar plant builds tight-turning skid loaders widely used in landscaping and construction.

In June, Lee County commissioners offered $900,000 in upfront spending for the corporate giant's $25 million expansion.

Last week, Caterpillar said it would build a new factory in Winston-Salem producing axle units for large mining equipment. City, county and state governments promised about $40 million to spur employment for about 500 full-time and contract workers.