Caterpillar to close Illinois plant

Caterpillar has announced it will close its Aurora, Ill., plant, eliminating 800 jobs. The office there for engineers and product support employees will remain open.

Production of large wheel loaders and compactors will move to the Decatur, Ill., plant, opening up 500 jobs there. Production of medium wheel loaders will move to North Little Rock, Ark., creating 150 jobs at that location. Employees whose jobs are eliminated by the plant closure will be given the opportunity to apply at other Caterpillar facilities.

“Moving production from Aurora to other existing facilities allows Caterpillar to efficiently leverage manufacturing space while still preserving capacity for an upturn,” said Denise Johnson, group president of resource industries. “Supporting impacted employees through this transition is a top priority.”