Caterpillar announces possible elimination of 880 jobs

Deerfield, Ill.-based Caterpillar Inc. has announced it will close a work tools facility in Waco, Texas, a demonstration center in Panama, and it might close its engine manufacturing plant in Illinois.

The work at the Texas plant will be shifted to Wamego, Kan., affecting 200 regular and contract positions, and the closure of the Panama facility will eliminate about 80 jobs.

In addition, the company’s Progress Rail unit is considering shutting down its LaGrange, Ill., engine manufacturing facility and shifting that work to Winston-Salem, N.C., and outside suppliers. That move would affect about 600 full-time workers.