Building the Future: Our Most Impactful Projects

Not many companies can say they’ve helped build a better world. But for a hundred years, that’s precisely what Caterpillar has been doing. Here are just some of those historic contributions.

Caterpillar has been involved in building three of the most famous dams in the world. 

THE HOOVER DAM

The Hoover Dam was built in the 1930s and was, for some time, the tallest dam in the world at 726 feet (221m) tall and 1,244 feet (400m) long. 

THE THREE GORGES DAM

Even larger, at 594 feet (181 m) high and over 1.4 miles (2.3 km) long, is the Three Gorges Dam in China, which used more than 300 Cat® machines during its 12-year-long construction.

THE ITAIPU DAM

And even bigger still, is Itaipu Dam. Situated between Brazil and Paraguay, Itaipu Dam is one of the world’s largest hydroelectric projects. While only 643 feet (196m) tall, it’s an astonishing 4.9 miles (7.9 km) long. And, of course, Cat machines were used to help build it. Completed in 1982, today it’s still regarded as one of the Modern Wonders of the World.

Let’s travel back to the 1950s: a time of geopolitical tensions and remarkable collaboration among 40 nations. This was the era of Operation Deep Freeze, a groundbreaking initiative that sought to establish American research stations in Antarctica. Caterpillar’s role was to build custom track-type tractors and diesel-electric sets that would work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at temperatures of -65o F (-53oC) and below.

The resulting low-ground-pressure (LGP) tractors were built with wide tracks that distributed the machine’s weight over a larger surface of the ice and snow to avoid damaging the terrain or sinking. This technology helped construct roads and bases, haul supplies, maintain airstrips and doze snow, amongst other things. The electric sets powered everything from heating and lights to communication systems and radar. 

Cat® machines still support Antarctic research stations today.

Rather apt for a company known as earthmoving experts, it’s been said that Caterpillar moved heaven and earth in 1969 to help Apollo 11 astronauts get to the moon and back. 

Cat diesel-electric sets helped power communications between NASA's worldwide network tracking stations and the Apollo 11 spacecraft, relaying commands from the flight director and the spacecraft during the whole journey.

Years later, Caterpillar’s space technology contributions and collaboration with NASA have continued. In 2007, our autonomy and robotics experts helped NASA develop lunar excavation and construction capabilities. In 2024, NASA launched a lunar lander with the Cat logo emblazoned on the side in honor of a long-standing relationship. 

And now, in our centennial year, as we look to the future, the really exciting question isn’t, what lies ahead, but how can we continue to collaborate and innovate for a brighter tomorrow. As we stay true our steadfast commitment, to help build a sustainable and prosperous future for all.