Caterpillar’s 100th anniversary celebrations

Caterpillar is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
By MJ Woof January 10, 2025 Read time: 2 mins
Caterpillar is celebrating its 100th anniversary since the merger of Holt and Best - image courtesy of Mike Woof


Caterpillar is marking its 100th anniversary with celebrations throughout the US. These commemorate the firm’s 100th anniversary on April 15 of this year. The Holt Manufacturing Company and the CL Best Tractor merged to form Caterpillar Tractor in 1925. The two firms had been fierce rivals in the years previous to the merger. Holt built its first crawler tractor in 1904 and then patented the crawler track concept.

“Our success over the last 100 years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, the continued trust of our customers and the support of our dealers and business partners,” said Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby. “I am proud to lead such a strong team, and I’m confident Caterpillar will continue to help our customers build a better, more sustainable world over the next 100 years.”

Celebrations took place in Sanford, North Carolina and Peoria, Illinois. At the company’s global headquarters in Irving, Texas, the families of company founders CL Best and Benjamin Holt will gather with company leaders and employees to celebrate the first 100 years of innovation.

Today, the Centennial World Tour embarked on its journey to visit Caterpillar facilities around the world and provide an interactive and immersive experience for employees and visitors. The company is also commemorating the milestone with limited-edition “Centennial Grey” painted machines available for purchase in 2025.
 

 

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