Caterpillar began in the early 1900s when Benjamin Holt developed tracks to keep tractors from sinking into soft soil.
In 1909, Holt sold his first “caterpillar”, a name which was inspired by a photographer.
In 1910, Holt opened a factory in East Peoria, Illinois. The company headquarters remains there today.
The tractors were utilized heavily in World War I but the end of the war left the company with excess inventory which was too heavy duty for farm use.
Benjamin Holt died in 1920.
In 1925, Holt Caterpillar merged with C.L. Best to form the Caterpillar Tractor Company.
In 1986, the company name was changed to Caterpillar Inc.
In 1999, the company built a factory in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Today, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment.
CaterpillarCaterpillar began in the early 1900s when Benjamin Holt developed tracks to keep tractors from sinking into soft soil.
In 1909, Holt sold his first “caterpillar”, a name which was inspired by a photographer.
In 1910, Holt opened a factory in East Peoria, Illinois. The company headquarters remains there today.
History
The tractors were utilized heavily in World War I but the end of the war left the company with excess inventory which was too heavy duty for farm use.
Benjamin Holt died in 1920.
In 1925, Holt Caterpillar merged with C.L. Best to form the Caterpillar Tractor Company.
In 1986, the company name was changed to Caterpillar Inc.
In 1999, the company built a factory in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Today, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment.