Caterpillar announces closure of five more plants

Heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Inc., based in Peoria, Ill., has announced it will close five more factories in reaction to slowing demand for construction and mining equipment worldwide. The closures will eliminate 820 jobs.

• In 2017 the Oxford, Miss., plant, with 240 employees stamping metal hose couplings, will shift some production to Caterpillar's plant in Menominee, Mich., and some work to outside suppliers.
• A 325-employee electric generator packaging facility in Newberry, S.C., and a 75-employee generator assembly panel plant in Ridgeway, S.C., will shift work to company plants in Seguin, Texas; Lafayette, Ind.; and Griffin, Ga.
• A 70-worker bucket and work tool plant in Jacksonville, Fla., will shift work to outside suppliers.
• A 110-worker engine and undercarriage component plant in Morganton, N.C., will shift work to other company plants and suppliers.