Caterpillar History
A Long History of Heavy Equipment Innovation
Cleveland Brothers is proud of its long-standing and successful relationship with Caterpillar, the global leader in heavy equipment manufacturing based in Peoria, Illinois. Since opening our first Cat® facility in central Pennsylvania in 1948, we’ve dedicated ourselves to upholding the Caterpillar tradition of excellence and service. This tradition stretches back more than 95 years to Caterpillar’s inception in 1925.
Caterpillar History Begins with the Name
The Caterpillar Tractor Company was officially formed in 1925 through a merger between the Holt Manufacturing Company and C. L. Best Tractor Company, but the Caterpillar name has roots that go back even further. In the early 1900s, Benjamin Holt sought to enhance the mobility and traction of his company’s steam tractors by replacing the wheels with wooden tracks bolted to chains. The innovation was so successful that an onlooker reportedly commented that the machine crawled along like a caterpillar. Holt agreed and named his new machine “Caterpillar,” a name he trademarked in 1910. In 1986, the company officially changed its name from Caterpillar Tractor Company to Caterpillar, Inc.
Early History Filled with Achievement
Benjamin Holt's pioneering work on the industrial tractor laid a strong foundation for Caterpillar well before its official launch. After the company's formation in 1925, a series of remarkable achievements followed. In the 1930s, Cat machines were instrumental in constructing iconic projects like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Grand Coulee Dam and the Mississippi Levee. During World War II, Caterpillar's heavy equipment significantly supported U.S. military efforts, with the company ramping up production to deliver over 51,000 track-type military tractors.
International Expansion in the 1950s
International expansion took off after the war. In the early 1950s, Cat machines played a crucial role in building a 10.5-mile superhighway that enhanced transportation through the Andes Mountains in Venezuela. In 1953, the Indian government acquired 93 Cat machines to support the nation's road development projects. Cat equipment also helped complete event sites for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Even in the most challenging environments, like Antarctica, Cat machines proved their reliability, as demonstrated during the U.S. military's Operation Deep Freeze III later that decade.
Continued Growth through Acquisition
Over the years, Caterpillar has grown not just by enhancing its manufacturing capabilities, but also through strategic acquisitions. In 1965, Caterpillar expanded its forklift line by acquiring the Mentor, Ohio-based Towmotor Corporation. Later, in 1981, Caterpillar ventured into industrial gas turbines by acquiring the solar and turbomach divisions of International Harvester Company. Key international acquisitions include Perkins Limited, a UK-based manufacturer of small diesel engines in 1998, and MWM Holding GmbH, a German producer of gas and diesel-powered generator sets in 2010.
A Thriving Partnership with an Eye on the Future
Today, Caterpillar proudly stands as the world's leading manufacturer of heavy equipment. Constantly innovating to expand its reach and enhance offerings, the company has ventured into new areas, including financial products and insurance. Cleveland Brothers is excited to continue our strong and enduring partnership with this global leader, committed to delivering a wide range of high-quality Cat machines and equipment to valued customers for years to come.