BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A newspaper in Galesburg, Illinois is reporting that Caterpillar Inc. has informed state officials in Illinois that it will not be building a new plant in its state, which could mean good news for Brunswick County in our region.
"We have defined a very tight search area that is primarily being driven by logistics, port access, and proximity to our division headquarters in Cary, North Carolina," the company wrote in a statement to Illinois state leaders.
[Read Caterpillar's entire statement]
Reports indicate jobs created with the plant would focus on manufacturing track-type tractors and mini hydraulic excavators.
WECT.com reported last week that North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue and other state officials met with an unnamed company interested in Brunswick County.
A source with knowledge of the negotiations believes that company is Caterpillar, although a spokesperson for the company would not confirm it. Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo, who was in the meeting, confirmed that a manufacturing company showed interest and could bring more than 1,000 jobs to the area.
New Hanover County Superintendent Dr. Tim Markley said Wednesday that Caterpillar was in the area two weeks ago.
Galesburg.com reports that Caterpillar officials indicated they would like to make a final decision on a location by April 1.
The Brunswick County Economic Development Commission plans to hold a meeting Thursday evening. The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners has been invited to participate in it as well.
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