An Historic Relationship | Caterpillar and the Panama Canal

Since our first days as a company, Caterpillar has designed and built the world’s most powerful, innovative and durable machines and engines. Our customers put them to work on projects that help the world grow and develop, supporting sustainable progress and improved living standards for people everywhere.

That includes the Panama Canal – our machines helped construct the original canal, and when the call came to assist with the expansion a decade ago, Cat® machines were on the scene again. Approximately 400 Cat machines worked to expand the Panama Canal so it can accommodate some of the biggest cargo vessels in the world. 

Because of our leadership role in the canal expansion project, Caterpillar was selected to participate in panel discussion hosted by the Panama AmCham and the U.S. Embassy in Panama on June 26 that focused on U.S. company involvement with the canal. Caterpillar Americas and Europe District Manager Jose Westin represented Caterpillar on the panel and talked about our strong historical ties to the project and major investments in Panama, which include the recently completed Caterpillar Demonstration and Learning Center. 

At the outset of the event a short video, narrated in Spanish (with English subtitles) by Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Doug Oberhelman, aired, telling the story of Caterpillar in Panama. 

We’ve been part of Panama’s past – and with HR Regional Shared Services Center, a Technical Center, the Demonstration and Learning Center, and the Think Big technician training facility supported by our Panama distributor, IIASA, we look forward to being part of Panama’s future.

Learn more about Caterpillar's 100-year history with the Panama Canal.