PEORIA, Ill., March 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) today announced that Mark Pflederer, who currently serves as the company's Chief Technology Officer and is vice president of the Technology & Solutions Division, will replace Rod Bussell as vice president for the Heavy Construction & Mining Products Division. As previously announced, Bussell is retiring effective May 1, 2007. Pflederer, 50, joined Caterpillar in 1976 after graduating from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. He has held a variety of engineering and management positions throughout the company. As head of the Heavy Construction & Mining Division, Pflederer will have responsibility for product management and development and related functions for medium and large track-type tractors, mining trucks, quarry and aggregate trucks, large wheel loaders and wheel tractor scrapers. "Mark's background and experience will serve the company well in his new duties, given the number of new product programs underway in these key industry segments," said Caterpillar Group President Gerry Shaheen. "His leadership will also be felt as his community involvement continues, including his role in the First Robotics program, PeoriaNEXT and a variety of other endeavors outside of Caterpillar." Pflederer currently serves on the board of directors of Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois, and the local Easter Seals organization. He is on the board of managers of Caterpillar Trimble Control Technology, a joint venture that develops and manufactures advanced electronic guidance and control products. Additionally, Pflederer is on the board of directors of Firefly Energy, Inc., and is commercial vehicle vice president of the Society of Automotive Engineers. He also serves on the Bradley University College of Engineering and Technology Advisory Council. Pflederer's replacement to lead the Technology & Solutions Division will be announced after the Caterpillar Board of Directors meeting in April. For more than 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2006 sales and revenues of $41.517 billion, Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The company also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services and Progress Rail Services. More information is available at http://www.cat.com/ . DATASOURCE: Caterpillar Inc. CONTACT: Rusty Dunn, Corporate Public Affairs, Caterpillar Inc., +1-309-675-4803, or Web site: http://www.cat.com/

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