The Joliet, Illinois, Caterpillar plant closed for good on July 10 after ceasing manufacturing operations last year, and closing its office doors on June 30. According to an article in the Peoria Journal Star, the closing brought an end to almost 70 years of production in Joliet.
Last year, Caterpillar announced its intent to lay off the final 285 employees at the plant. These employees were first notified on November 7, 2018. Nearly 7,000 people were employed at the plant since its opening in 1951.
Will County Center for Economic Development President and CEO John Greuling told Joliet Patch that the Cat plant closing will have “virtually no negative impact” on the local economy, since the company has been phasing out its Joliet operations for several years.
Grueling also believes the vacant Caterpillar plant along Route 6 will be attractive to other business investment groups, but will likely not remain a manufacturing plant.
Source: Patch.com & Peoria Journal Star
