Caterpillar Factory Tour - Athens

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Caterpillar’s world-class manufacturing facility in Athens, Georgia — where innovation, automation, and American craftsmanship power some of the most trusted construction and earth-moving equipment on the planet. During this guided experience, you’ll see how precision manufacturing, robotics, and lean production systems come together to deliver Caterpillar’s legendary quality and performance — built right here in Georgia.

About the Facility
Located on a 250-acre campus, Caterpillar’s Athens operation spans three buildings totaling 850,000 square feet. The plant produces multiple models of Mini Hydraulic Excavators and Small Track-Type Tractors, featuring advanced systems including robotic welding, CNC machining, powder coat painting, modular sub-assembly, and an asynchronous assembly line supported by digital shop-floor controls. Every machine passes through quality gates, pre-delivery inspection, and an on-site product distribution center that ships worldwide.

Three Key Things You’ll See

1. Advanced Assembly Operations – Walk the production floor to see how state-of-the-art robotics, conveyor systems, and human expertise combine to assemble Caterpillar’s next-generation compact track loaders and small wheel loaders.

2. Lean Manufacturing in Motion – Experience Caterpillar’s commitment to continuous improvement, safety, and efficiency through its world-renowned “Caterpillar Production System” (CPS) in real-world operation.

3. Quality and Testing Excellence – Discover how rigorous inspection, testing, and validation processes ensure every machine that leaves Athens meets Caterpillar’s global standards for reliability and durability.

Three Reasons to Attend

Learn from a Global Leader – Gain firsthand insight into Caterpillar’s world-class manufacturing systems, leadership culture, and performance-driven approach that have made it a benchmark for operational excellence worldwide.

Network with Georgia’s Manufacturing Community – Connect with top manufacturers, engineers, suppliers, and industry professionals who are shaping the future of advanced manufacturing across the state.

See Georgia Manufacturing at Its Best – Experience one of the Southeast’s most sophisticated heavy-equipment facilities and discover how Caterpillar continues to invest in innovation, workforce development, and community impact right here in Athens.