Caterpillar Considering Winston-Salem for New Plant

Caterpillar Inc. confirmed on Wednesday that Winston-Salem is one of three cities being considered for a "significant component manufacturing facility.

Winston-Salem is being considered along with Montgomery, Alabama and Spartanburg, South Carolina, according to a company spokesperson.

Jim Dugan, a spokesperson for Caterpillar, said a project team had been evaluating locations in nine states across the southeast and the final evaluation is expected to continue throughout the summer. A decision is expected by August.

According to the Winston-Salem Journal, the plant could bring as many as 500 jobs.

Mayor Allen Joines said the county is working "diligently" on this project and called the proposed plant a "significant opportunity." Joines said Caterpillar is considering an existing facility near the Dell plant, but not the Dell facility itself.

Joines also said leaders are discussing an "assistance package", or incentives, that would be offered to Caterpillar. He said a public hearing would be held before this proposal was approved.