Caterpillar Inc. is expanding its Asian presence with production of a new line of construction machines in India.

In July, the company began manufacturing Caterpillar backhoe loaders for sale in India. Caterpillar already manufactures off-highway trucks, track-type tractors, wheel loaders, engines and power generation equipment in India.
Since Caterpillar introduced its first backhoe loader in 1985, the machine has become the best-selling and most popular brand in the world. Backhoes for the Indian market will be produced at the Thrivullar facility in southern India.
In February 2001, Caterpillar acquired the construction equipment and design assets of Hindustan Motors Earthmoving Equipment Division, a part of the C.K. Birla group, and formed Caterpillar India Private Limited. Earlier this year Caterpillar announced its intention to acquire all outstanding shares in the company's Indian diesel engine joint venture, Hindustan Powerplus Ltd. -- an acquisition which is largely complete.
Caterpillar is represented by two independently owned dealers in India, Gmmco Ltd. and T I L Ltd. The dealers have invested in a comprehensive network of about 50 sales and service facilities throughout India.