Celebrating 50 Years of Manufacturing in India
April 26, 2021
This year marks a momentous occasion as Caterpillar enters its 50th year of manufacturing in India. Our presence today reflects the legacy and unparalleled commitment to meet our customers’ needs in India and around the world with best-in-class product solutions and service innovation.
“Caterpillar has been part of India’s growth story for many decades,” said Chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby on commemorating this Golden Jubilee year. “We have been a key partner since the 1930s, and it is remarkable to witness the progress in this great nation over the years. The dedication and commitment of our team in India to provide service excellence to the customers have been pivotal in reaching this milestone anniversary.”
“We have been a key partner since the 1930s, and it is remarkable to witness the progress in this great nation over the years. - Chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby
What started in 1971 at our Tiruvallur facility in Tamil Nadu has grown to an established footprint of:
- 6 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities
- 2 Research & Development centres
- 5 subsidiary entities
- 8 Caterpillar brands and numerous global support organizations across India
Learn more about our footprint in India, including a timeline of the Tiruvallur facility.
Did You Know?
- Together with our strong dealer network, we employ more than 11,000 people in India and work with numerous suppliers
- The first customer was S.H. Gorowala who purchased the first Holt Caterpillar track-type tractor for agricultural applications in Punjab, India in 1914. The Caterpillar tractor replaced ox power on the farm for tasks such as plowing, seeding, and harvesting.
- Our customers had a major role in the construction of the Bhakra Dam – at that time the largest concrete gravity dam in the world. In the end Caterpillar supplied over 100 pieces of equipment, which comprised about a third of the equipment used on project. Competed in 1963, the dam benefited over 10 million people by feeding water into 200 miles of irrigation canals.
- Around 3,200 engineers work in the Caterpillar Engineering and Design Centers (EDC) in India, the company’s second largest concentration of engineers in the world. This team has made important contributions to Caterpillar intellectual property.
- Caterpillar’s first direct investment in India came in 1963. Caterpillar and Larsen & Toubro, formed a joint venture in India called Tractor Engineers Limited in order to make parts for Cat dozers.
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India
Caterpillar's India facilities support the country's growth in numerous industries. With key offices in Bangalore and Chennai, learn more about Caterpillar in India.
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Innovation
Caterpillar's India Engineering Design Center (EDC) provides comprehensive product development and associated engineering services to our business units worldwide.
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