House Concurrent Resolution 101

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE EXECUTIVES AND EMPLOYEES OF CATERPILLAR INC., ON THE MOMENTOUS OCCASION OF ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF OPERATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Caterpillar has been a proud partner of industry in North Mississippi for 35 years, and what began with 11 employees in 1982 has grown to include more than 1,200 employees in remanufacturing operations facilities and logistics warehouses in Corinth and Booneville; and

WHEREAS, remanufacturing is the process of returning end-of-service-life products to same-as-when-new condition or better at a fraction-of-new cost, using state-of-the-art technologies and production processes, while reducing impact on the environment; and

WHEREAS, Cat Reman is an exchange business where customers are charged a price well below new for a Reman product, plus a deposit, which is refunded when the customer returns their used component, and Cat Reman components offer like-new performance at a lower price point than a new component, yielding the best lifecycle cost option for many customers; and

WHEREAS, Caterpillar is a global leader in remanufacturing, offering more than 7,000 products to the marketplace, produced by around 4,000 employees located in the United States, Mexico, Asia and Europe, and Cat Reman has had 500,000 tons of material returned and repurposed over the past 10 years, adding value to customers and to the environment; and

WHEREAS, Caterpillar's remanufacturing operations in Mississippi have experienced impressive growth during the past 35 years, not only in headcount, but also in product offerings and impact to the enterprise and the state; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi operations remain Caterpillar's cornerstone for remanufacturing, with the recent addition of two new products assembled locally, and Caterpillar dealers from around the world travel to Mississippi to learn about the benefits of remanufacturing, touring the facilities in Corinth and Booneville as well as visiting area landmarks; and

WHEREAS, the local Caterpillar team is proud of its contributions to the company and to Mississippi, and by collaborating with other employers, business development organizations, charities and government officials, employees strive to improve the economy, education and quality of life within the state; and

WHEREAS, in 2014, Corinth hosted the Caterpillar Executive Office and Board of Directors for the company's Annual Shareholders Meeting, demonstrating the skilled workforce and advanced salvage technologies located here, and in 2011, the company recognized employees in its Mississippi Reman facilities with the Caterpillar Foundation Community Service Award; and

WHEREAS, Caterpillar and its employees give of their time and resources to support United Way organizations, local food pantries, Angel Tree programs, Northeast Mississippi Community College and area schools, and many other charitable and civic organizations; and

WHEREAS, for more than 90 years, Caterpillar Inc., has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent, and customers constantly turn to Caterpillar to help them develop infrastructure, energy and natural resource assets; and

WHEREAS, with 2016 sales and revenues of $38.537 billion, Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives, and this year, Caterpillar will celebrate 35 years of remanufacturing operations in Mississippi, recognizing employees who contribute to the facilities' success each day; and

WHEREAS, with a strong history of operational excellence, Caterpillar is ready to meet the challenges of the future with a team focused on the safety of each individual, the quality of products delivered to customers, the innovation for continuous improvement and the sustainability of our communities; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend fine institutions in Mississippi that have left a profound impact on her citizens by offering them employment opportunities in an environment that consistently serves a positive, vital role in the present and future vitality and sustainability of this great Magnolia State:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the executives and employees of Caterpillar Inc., on the momentous occasion of its 35th anniversary celebration of operations in Mississippi and extend sincere wishes for continued growth and prosperity in all of its future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Caterpillar Inc., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.