Caterpillar plans to invest approximately $1 billion in North Carolina, including a new technology-enabled manufacturing facility in Sanford.
The company announced September 30 that the facility will expand production of compact track loaders and telehandlers. Those machines are commonly used in construction, landscaping, agriculture and material-handling operations.
Major investment in Lee County
Caterpillar is evaluating property at Regional Crossroads Park, a roughly 500-acre industrial site off U.S. 1 north of U.S. 421. The final site transaction and a construction schedule have not been announced.
The company currently employs approximately 2,000 people at its existing Sanford operation. WRAL reports Caterpillar hired about 600 employees there during 2026, although the new facility is not presently expected to increase the company’s total Sanford workforce.
Incentives tied to investment and job retention
Lee County and the City of Sanford have approved local incentives worth up to $85.5 million. Caterpillar must meet investment requirements and maintain at least 1,950 full-time positions paying an average annual wage of approximately $65,500 to qualify for the full incentive package.
The company says the new facility will use automation, robotics, digital production systems and integrated logistics. Caterpillar expects those technologies to create advanced-manufacturing career and training opportunities for its existing workforce.
Sources: Caterpillar and WRAL.
