Caterpillar Plant in Athens Now Hiring

By Patch Editor Stephanie Gross

Caterpillar employees reported to work for the first time at the Athens-Oconee plant last week. The plant will become the company's global source for small track-type tractors.

The office area is complete, and construction of the manufacturing space isn't far behind. Gray Construction is expected to finish it by the end of the month, according to a news release.

"We are right on schedule with this project, and although the building is still a work in progress, it's great to be in our new home," plant manager Todd Henry said in a released statement.

The 850,000 square-foot facility will produce mini hydraulic excavators later this year and small track-type tractors by 2014.

"The 'now hiring' sign is definitely hanging in our window," Henry stated in the release. "We want to remind applicants to apply for as many open positions as they have interest in, and to continue re-applying if they're not immediately contacted."

Currently there are 55 employees, 32 from Georgia. Once the plant is fully operational, it will employ an estimated 1,400 people.

"We want to pull from the local talent that we know exists; it was one reason we chose to building in the Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties area," Henry said.

Assemblers, machinists, fabricators and welders are among workers needed.  To apply for jobs, visit www.caterpillar.com/careers. To find available positions, search "Athens" in the location field.

Starting wages for the production positions range from $11.25 - $18.33 per hour and some of the positions include a probationary period, where hourly wages are raised upon successful completion, according to a fact sheet provided by the company. Healthcare and 401K retirement plans are also offered to employees.

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