100 Years of Caterpillar Innovation with a Bold Vision for the Future
As Caterpillar Inc. celebrates its 100th anniversary, the company is not just looking back on a century of ground-breaking achievements; it’s also charting an ambitious course for the next 100 years.
From humble beginnings to becoming a global leader in heavy machinery and innovation, Caterpillar has continuously redefined industry standards and transformed the way the world builds.
A Century of Progress
Founded in 1925 through the merger of the Holt Manufacturing Company and the C.L. Best Tractor Co., Caterpillar’s story is one of resilience, ingenuity, and customer-focused innovation. What began with the production of track-type tractors for agricultural use in Northern California has grown into a diversified global enterprise. Today, Caterpillar is synonymous with durable, high-performance machinery used across construction, mining, energy, and transportation industries.
“Our success over the last 100 years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, the continued trust of our customers, and the support of our dealers and business partners,” said Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby. “I’m confident Caterpillar will continue to help our customers build a better, more sustainable world over the next 100 years.”
Celebrating the Centennial
Caterpillar’s centennial celebrations kicked off in style at CES® 2025, a fitting venue to highlight the company’s relentless commitment to technological innovation. Showcasing advancements in autonomy, electrification, and digital connectivity, Caterpillar’s presence at the event demonstrated how it plans to drive the energy transition and empower customers with cutting-edge solutions.
Visitors at CES were treated to an immersive experience that brought Caterpillar’s technologies to life. One of the highlights was the 55,000-pound Cat® 972 Wheel Loader, equipped with an Extended Range Electrified Machine (EREM) hybrid retrofit. Developed by a small team of engineers in just 12 weeks, this battery-electric demonstrator boasts performance on par with its diesel counterpart while eliminating the need for additional DC charging infrastructure—a game-changer for sustainable job sites.
Innovations on Display
Caterpillar’s CES exhibit offered attendees a glimpse into the future with:
- Electrified Jobsite Simulation: A 24-hour live demonstration showcased how Caterpillar’s ecosystem of electric innovations is already helping customers manage energy flows and optimise efficiency on real-world projects.
- Centennial Hub: Spanning ten decades of technological milestones, this feature highlighted Caterpillar’s pioneering work in sustainability-focused solutions, from emissions-reducing engines to autonomous machinery.
- Cat® Command Technologies: This interactive display allowed visitors to control equipment remotely, demonstrating how Caterpillar’s autonomous capabilities are enhancing safety and productivity on job sites worldwide.
A Global Celebration
The centennial festivities extended beyond CES, with celebrations taking place at Caterpillar facilities in Sanford, North Carolina, and Peoria, Illinois. At the company’s global headquarters in Irving, Texas, the descendants of founders C.L. Best and Benjamin Holt joined employees to honour this historic milestone. Adding a touch of nostalgia, Caterpillar is releasing limited-edition “Centennial Grey” painted machines for purchase in 2025—a nod to its rich legacy.
The company’s Centennial World Tour will further spread the celebrations globally, bringing an interactive experience to Caterpillar’s facilities and communities worldwide. Employees and visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the brand’s history and explore its vision for the future.
Driven by Customer Needs
Throughout its history, Caterpillar has stayed true to one guiding principle: listening to its customers. From its earliest days designing tractors to today’s portfolio of smart, connected solutions, Caterpillar has consistently prioritised innovations that address real-world challenges. As industries navigate the complexities of digital transformation and the energy transition, Caterpillar is committed to providing tools that solve today’s problems while paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Rob Hoenes, Caterpillar’s senior vice president of the Electrification and Energy Solutions Division, emphasised this mission: “The technology we’re bringing to CES is a culmination of how Caterpillar has continued innovating to make industry safer, smarter, more sustainable, and more powerful.”
A Vision for Sustainability
As the world grapples with climate change and the urgent need for decarbonisation, Caterpillar is stepping up to the plate. The company’s investments in alternative fuels, electrification, and data-driven insights aim to empower customers to reduce emissions and enhance efficiency. These efforts align with Caterpillar’s broader commitment to building a better, more sustainable world.
With 2023 sales and revenues of $67.1 billion, Caterpillar continues to lead the charge in construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. The company operates on every continent, serving diverse markets through its three primary segments: Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation.
Looking Ahead
Caterpillar’s centennial is not just a celebration of the past but a declaration of intent for the future. The company’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer success will undoubtedly drive its next century of growth and transformation.
With trailblazing technologies and a steadfast commitment to solving the challenges of tomorrow, Caterpillar is poised to continue shaping the modern world—one project at a time.
