Caterpillar’s Peterlee plant is celebrating the production of its 70,000th articulated truck — a major milestone for the facility in Peterlee

Caterpillar’s Peterlee plant is celebrating the production of its 70,000th articulated truck — a major milestone for the facility in Peterlee

The Peterlee site has been solely owned by Caterpillar for 30 years, with its roots in the town going back even further. Originally founded as DJB Engineering in the 1970s, the site became Caterpillar’s global home for articulated dump truck production in the mid-1990s. Today, Cat articulated trucks designed and built in Peterlee are sold worldwide. 

Caterpillar’s Peterlee manufacturing facility has reached a major milestone as the 70,000th articulated truck rolled off its production line, marking a significant achievement for one of the North East’s most established manufacturing sites and the global home of Cat articulated trucks. 

The Peterlee plant has been solely owned by Caterpillar for 30 years and is the company’s worldwide base for the design and manufacture of its articulated truck product line. Cat articulated trucks are built in Peterlee and exported around the globe, where they go to work in mines and construction sites building the infrastructure that drives our world. 

‘This is a remarkable milestone that reflects decades of teamwork, expertise, and dedication across every area of our operation,’ said Director of Product Value Stream, Adam Freeman. ‘Since the first articulated truck rolled off the line more than 50 years ago, our teams have continued to push boundaries in safety, quality, innovation and customer productivity. Reaching 70,000 units is not only a testament to the strength of our product, but also to the commitment and craftsmanship of the people who design, develop and build it.’ 

Originally founded as DJB Engineering in the 1970s, the site became part of Caterpillar in the mid-1990s and has since undergone continuous investment in advanced manufacturing capabilities – including robotics. The milestone 70,000th truck reflects decades of innovation, craftsmanship, and engineering leadership in the heart of the North East of England. 

A Workforce with Deep Roots in the Community 

The plant employs hundreds of skilled workers from across County Durham and the wider North East, with many employees having decades of service. Multigenerational families have built careers at the site, reflecting its longstanding role as a cornerstone of the local economy. 

Caterpillar Peterlee also plays a vital role in developing future talent through apprenticeships, training programmes, and partnerships with local colleges and universities.  Ongoing investment in automation, R&D, and unique access to a nearby quarry for endurance testing.  

“We’re incredibly proud of our longstanding presence in the community,” added Director of Operations, Jason Maw. “Many of our employees have been with us for decades, starting through our long-established apprenticeship programme – and it’s not unusual to see parents, children, and even grandchildren working here. That connection to the town is a huge part of who we are.” 

To learn more about careers at Caterpillar Peterlee, please visit: Jobs - Do the Work that Matters | Caterpillar Careers