Celebrating a century of Caterpillar
This month, leading Cat® dealer WesTrac celebrated dual milestones, 100 years since the inception of Caterpillar® and 35 years of partnership.
The first iteration of Cat machines was delivered in 1913 to NSW when Holt Manufacturing Company showcased tractors and harvesters to local farmers.
The machines proved to be so popular that the business secured a position in the Australian market.
The Caterpillar brand was born on the 15th of April 1925 following the merge of Holt Manufacturing Co and C.L. Best Gas Traction Co.
Cat products would officially enter the WA and NSW markets in the following year, marking the beginning of the company’s journey to becoming an internationally renowned brand.
WestTrac is the leading supplier of Cat equipment in Australia with services in WA, NSW and Australian Capital Territory.
WesTrac chief executive Jarvas Croome said that during this partnership the company has delivered more than 20,000 Cat machines and supported more than 47,000 customers in WA across the mining, construction, agricultural and forestry industries.
“WesTrac first started in 1990, serving customers from a facility in South Guilford and we have since expanded to more than 10 branches across the state, including within the Kimberley, Pilbara, Mid-West, Goldfields and Southwest regions,” he said.
“We’re extremely proud to be a Cat dealer and to have made significant contribution to the company’s long and rich history.
“Some of the highlights, especially in the last decade, include launching the world-renowned WesTrac Technology Training Centre in Collie, which is the only autonomous training centre of its kind in the Southern hemisphere and has trained more than 900 technicians since opening in 2020.
“We are also an industry-leading training and education provider, which was acknowledged when WesTrac received the WA Large Employer of the Year Award last year, and runner-up at the national training awards, both titles the team at WesTrac are proud to have earned.”
Across Australia, WesTrac have trained more than 2,400 apprentices through the WesTrac Institute, providing the next generation of technicians with the skills and knowledge to help customers adapt to ever-changing industry demands and business needs.
WesTrac chief executive for NSW and ACT Adrian Howard said that the company remains committed to investing in state-of-the-art facilities and training centres across the country.
“By investing in our people and facilities, we are also investing in our customers, by providing the tools to help them face any challenges posed by evolving industry needs,” he said.
“This includes launching the Tomago Technology Experience Centre in NSW in 2023, which gives customers hands-on experience with new and emerging Cat technologies.
“We have also installed AI-powered AutoStore parts warehousing solution and commissioned a world-first automate fluid analysis laboratory, to help customers in the modern-day, 24/7 working environment.
Mr Howard said that the advancements reflect the goal of both companies to remain at the forefront of technology and innovation to aid in customers’ continued success.
“This next century will undoubtedly bring a new level of evolution to how mining and construction industries operate, supported by the most advanced Cat equipment and technology,” he said.
“Improving sustainability and incorporating automation into operations are key goals for our customers, which can be achieved through our latest offerings to reduce emissions, improve productivity and safety.
“As a leading Cat dealer, WesTrac will be with our customers every step of the way as we work to build better together.”