Building on the strengths of its renowned global service parts distribution network, Caterpillar Logistics Services, Inc. (Cat Logistics), a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. in June announced plans to open a new parts distribution centre in Spokane,Washington. The new facility, which will replace the existing 125,000ft2 facility, will span more than a half million square feet and is part of the North American multi-year expansion and enhancement of the global Cat Parts distribution network.
“Cat dealers provide industry leading product support services,” said Steve Larson, vice president of Caterpillar Inc. and chairman and president of Cat Logistics.
“We enable that capability with the industry's best parts distribution network. The Spokane Parts Distribution Center makes us even stronger in North America by providing capacity for growth in parts demand while further optimizing the service parts supply chain.”
When operational in 2012 and dependent on market demand, the Spokane Distribution Center is expected to employ 100 to 150 people.
“The announcement today by Caterpillar is great news for our community,” said Al French, chair, Spokane County Board of Commissioners. “Bringing more jobs to this community is one of the County’s highest priorities. This economic development win was the result of the Spokane County team working with the Washington State Department of Commerce, multiple utility providers and the business community to provide the highest
level of responsiveness and support to ensure that Caterpillar selected Spokane County for their distribution centre.”
This facility builds on network improvements achieved with the recent addition of a one million square foot parts distribution centre in Clayton, Ohio, in 2011, continuing execution of Caterpillar’s global supply chain enhancement. It will be the fourth parts facility to utilize Service Parts Management (SPM), a global solution that replaces multiple legacy software systems supporting the Cat Parts network.
“I offer my congratulations to Spokane area leadership, who worked tirelessly to ensure the Caterpillar expansion happened in the Inland Northwest,” Gov. Chris Gregoire said. “And I’m pleased to be a partner in this effort, which is good for Spokane and the entire state of Washington as we move toward a full economic recovery.”
Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2011.
 
ABOUT CAT LOGISTICS
Caterpillar Logistics Services, Inc. provides supply chain solutions and services to its parent company, Caterpillar Inc., and more than 50 other leading corporations throughout the world. Headquartered in Morton, Illinois, Cat Logistics operates more than 108 offices and facilities in 23 countries on six continents. Cat Logistics provides its full service capabilities to companies in market sectors, which include automotive, industrial and aerospace service parts, consumer durables and technology.