Cat dealer WesTrac is marking dual milestones in 2025, headlined by Caterpillar celebrating 100 years since its inception
Caterpillar’s 100th anniversary celebrations is coinciding with Caterpillar dealer WesTrac celebrating 35 years of delivering Cat equipment and technology to sites across Western Australia.
The first iteration of Cat machines delivered in Australia was in 1913, when Holt Manufacturing Company showcased tractors and harvesters to New South Wales-based pastoralists and farmers, with WesTrac saying they proved so popular that Holt secured a new market in Australia.
On April 15, 1925, the Caterpillar brand was born when the founders of Holt Manufacturing Co and C.L. Best Gas Traction Co decided to merge their companies. During the following year, the Cat product would officially enter the WA and NSW markets.
Now a century on, Caterpillar has become a globally recognised organisation and brand, with WesTrac supplying Cat equipment and services in WA, NSW and the ACT.
WesTrac CEO Jarvas Croome says that over the past 35 the company has delivered more than 20,000 Cat machines and supported more than 47,000 customers in WA across the mining, construction, agricultural and forestry industries.
“We’re extremely proud to be a Cat dealer and to have made a significant contribution to the company’s long and rich history,” Croome says.
“Some of the highlights especially in the last decade, include launching the world-renowned WesTrac Technology Training Centre in Collie, which is the only autonomous training centre of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and has trained more than 900 technicians since opening in 2020.
“We are also an industry-leading training and education provider, which was acknowledged when WesTrac received the WA Large Employer of the Year Award last year, and runner-up at the national training awards – both titles the team at WesTrac are proud to have earned.”
WesTrac chief executive NSW/ACT Adrian Howard says the company remains committed to investing in state-of-the-art facilities and training centres across Australia.
“By investing in our people and facilities, we are also investing in our customers, by providing the tools to help them face any challenges posed by evolving industry needs,” he says.
“This includes launching the Tomago Technology Experience Centre in New South Wales in 2023, which gives customers hands-on experience with new and emerging Cat technologies.
“We have also installed an AI-powered AutoStore parts warehousing solution and commissioned a world-first automated fluid analysis laboratory, to help customers in the modern-day, 24/7 working environment.”
Howard adds these advancements reflected the goal of both Caterpillar and WesTrac to remain at the forefront of technology and innovation to help customers’ continued success.
“This next century will undoubtedly bring a new level of evolution to how mining and construction industries operate, supported by the most advanced Cat equipment and technology,” he says.
“Improving sustainability and incorporating automation into operations are key goals for our customers, which can be achieved through our latest offerings to reduce emissions, improve productivity and safety.”
This year, WesTrac will host and take part in a series of commemorative events and activities to celebrate the milestones and Caterpillar’s centenary, honouring the achievements made by team members and the partnerships with customers over the decades.
To celebrate the 100-year anniversary, Caterpillar has also released a range of centennial machines, painted in historical grey branding, available through select dealers.
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