Caterpillar Expands with 250 New Jobs
Arkansas Governor, Little Rock Regional and North Little Rock Chambers of Commerce join Caterpillar to detail investment in North Little Rock facility
Job fair planned; 250+ new jobs expected
North Little Rock, Arkansas -- Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson joined Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRRCC) officials at the Caterpillar North Little Rock facility to support the investment of new products, facility upgrades, and job creation at one of Caterpillar’s prime manufacturing facilities.
"The expansion of Caterpillar’s North Little Rock facility illustrates the growing economy we have experienced throughout the state,” said Governor Hutchinson. “We’ve seen great things from Caterpillar’s facility in recent years, and the new jobs mean more opportunity for Arkansas families. This announcement shows the faith that Caterpillar has in our workforce, in the state and in our communities."
Caterpillar opened its North Little Rock facility in 2010 to manufacture motor graders. In late 2017, the facility added the production of medium wheel loaders to the product line-up. And, in 2019 and 2020, new paving products will be added to the local production schedule. To support the new products, the company’s investment in the North Little Rock facility between 2017 and 2020 is expected to total more than $40 million.
“Adding new products into the facility gives us a lot of opportunity, and I’m most excited about expanding our team to make the machines that will help our customers build a better world,” said Paul Rivera, Caterpillar North Little Rock Operations Manager. “To support additional production, we’re looking to hire an additional 250 new employees.”
Over the next 6-12 months, Caterpillar will be looking to hire assemblers, welders, mechanics, machinists, fork truck drivers, and order pickers on first, second and third shifts.
“Caterpillar’s decision to expand in North Little Rock and manufacture paving products is a ringing endorsement of the talented employee team that currently produces motor graders and medium wheel loaders here,” stated Jay Chesshir, Little Rock Regional Chamber CEO. “The $40 million investment and 250 new positions is further evidence of their trust in the workforce available in central Arkansas. Our people are our strength.”
Caterpillar will host a job fair at its facility on July 21 from 8 a.m. to noon. Prepared, qualified applicants may be interviewed and offered positions that day, provided they have already submitted an online application and passed the initial screening. To assist candidates in preparing for the job fair, Caterpillar and the LRRCC will host information sessions across the region.
Monday, July 9, 2018
4:30 to 6:30 PM
Benton School District
Professional Development Center
211 North Border Street
Benton, AR 72015
Friday, July 13, 2018
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Little Rock Air Force Base University Center
1490 Vandenberg Boulevard
Jacksonville, AR 72099
Saturday, July 14, 2018
9:00 to 11:00 AM
University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College
Business & Industry Center
3303 East Roosevelt Road
Little Rock, AR 72206
“Caterpillar North Little Rock is a great place to work, and I look forward to bringing potential candidates into the facility so they can see for themselves,” added Rivera. “It’s an exciting opportunity to be a part of a world-class, global team.”