AEM has coined Texas the equipment manufacturing capital of America for good reason. After all, there are more equipment manufacturing jobs here than in any other state in the nation. But Seguin may as well be the manufacturing capital of Texas, the town with the most manufacturing jobs per capita of anywhere in the United States. It is also the home of Caterpillar Engines – a perfect stop for the AEM Manufacturing Express.
The Seguin Caterpillar Engines facility manufactures diesel and gasoline engines of all sizes for both Caterpillar machines and other industrial applications. Close to 62% of the engines manufactured here are used in Caterpillar’s iconic construction and mining equipment, such as loaders, dozers, and excavators. The remaining 38% are used to support equipment in other industries, including agriculture, utility, defense, and much more. In fact, a whopping 70% of the engines produced here in Texas are destined for export around the world.
This year marks Caterpillar’s 100th anniversary. Of those 100 years, the company has 15 years of history in Seguin. This heritage is only one reason why so many customers trust the Caterpillar name for their power needs. The way Daniel Mitchell, Operations Manager at Caterpillar Engines, sees it, solving customers’ problems is key to earning their trust. “Our competitive advantage is the integration services we offer our customers,” said Mitchell. “We provide a solution that solves their problems.”
Caterpillar builds more than just standard engines. Every engine it makes is custom-engineered to meet the specific needs of their customers. Its team of close to 1600 engineers, metallurgists, and more helps solve customers’ toughest problems.
Many of Caterpillar Engines’ employees, including Daniel Mitchell, are veterans. Caterpillar is heavily involved in the Hire Our Heroes program, a campaign built around creating job opportunities for service members when they return home from overseas. Caterpillar believes strongly in giving back to those who have served their country, and the company has seen firsthand how well the leadership skills from the military transfer over to careers in manufacturing.
Caterpillar prides itself on its great benefits and great culture, and it’s easy to see how it contributes tremendously to the company’s success in Seguin and around the country. Long-time employees agree that if you start here with the right attitude and a strong work ethic, in 25 years, you might end up running the facility. “If you can get out of your comfort zone, you can just keep growing,” Mitchell said of the career growth opportunities offered here.
Caterpillar’s role in Seguin is producing benefits across Texas and beyond. In particular, the company is setting ambitious goals for sustainability and increased engine efficiency. Better engines mean better equipment – from our farmers who grow the food we eat to the linemen who keep the power on. All of those people rely on Caterpillar engines to do their jobs. And that power comes from Seguin, Texas.
