Caterpillar heavy equipment and industrial engines

Caterpillar Inc. (commonly known as Cat) is a cornerstone of the global industrial sector. Founded in 1925 through the merger of the Holt Manufacturing Company and the C. L. Best Tractor Company, the brand has grown from its California roots to become the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. Its iconic 'Caterpillar Yellow' livery and 'CAT' logo are recognized worldwide across a vast range of machinery, including excavators, bulldozers, and off-highway trucks, as well as industrial engines and gas turbines.

Caterpillar maintains a sprawling global manufacturing footprint to serve its international clientele. While it maintains significant production facilities across the United States in states like Illinois, Texas, and Georgia, it also operates major manufacturing hubs in countries including Brazil, China, Japan, India, and the United Kingdom. This distributed manufacturing strategy allows the company to minimize costs and respond quickly to regional market demands while maintaining the quality and durability the brand is known for.

Ownership of Caterpillar Inc. is characterized by its status as a publicly traded corporation. As of 2026, the company continues to be owned by its shareholders, with a significant majority of its stock held by large institutional investors such as The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street. This ownership structure ensures that the company remains an independent entity, managed by its board of directors and executive leadership, headquartered in Irving, Texas.