Caterpillar Engineer, Michael Betz, Named One of the 'Top 25 Newsmakers' of 2009
19 Fevereiro 2010 - 12:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
Engineering News-Record recognizes Betz for his leadership in the
design of Caterpillar's ground breaking D7E electric drive
track-type tractor PEORIA, Ill., Feb. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) is pleased to announce Michael Betz
has been selected as one of Engineering News-Record's (ENR) "Top 25
Newsmakers of the Year." Betz led the engineering team that
researched and developed the D7E, the first electric drive
track-type tractor in the industry. For the past 45 years, the
editors of ENR have recognized 25 people each year for their
innovations, achievements and services that advance the
construction industry. "It was an honor for me to be part of
something so ground breaking for Caterpillar and the entire
industry," said Betz. "And while I am receiving this recognition, I
do so on behalf of the entire D7E team. It was a collaborative
effort from the concept phase through production." Among the many
features, the D7E's revolutionary electric drive system offers a
ten to 30-percent decrease in fuel consumption with 25 percent more
material moved per gallon of fuel. The nearly ten-year project
resulted in roughly 100 patents and other recognitions including
the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air
Excellence Award. The first D7E was shipped in December 2009. "Mike
represents the best and brightest of Team Caterpillar," said Doug
Oberhelman, Caterpillar Vice Chairman. "I am continually amazed at
the innovation and dedication of our Caterpillar employees who
increasingly showcase their passion and commitment to the
sustainability of our products and the environment as well."
Currently, Betz, 44, is an Engineering Technical Team Leader for
Medium Tractor Products in Caterpillar's Earthmoving Division. He
joined Caterpillar in 1988 and has served in a number of
engineering roles focused in engine and machine validation. Born
and raised in Galesburg, Illinois, Mike holds a bachelor's degree
in mechanical engineering from Bradley University. He has also
completed the Bradley University Management for the 21st Century
program and has been awarded numerous patents for many different
innovations. Mike and his wife, Kendra, reside in Knoxville,
Illinois, with their two sons. Engineering News-Record provides
news, analysis, commentary and data to construction industry
professionals. ENR covers issues such as business management,
design, construction methods, technology, safety, law, legislation,
environment and labor. About Caterpillar: For more than 80 years,
Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving
positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2009 sales
and revenues of $32.396 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/. Safe Harbor Certain statements in
this release relate to future events and expectations and as such
constitute forward-looking statements involving known and unknown
factors that may cause actual results of Caterpillar Inc. to be
different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking
statements. In this context, words such as "will," "would,"
"expect," "anticipate," "should" or other similar words and phrases
often identify forward-looking statements made on behalf of
Caterpillar. It is important to note that actual results of the
company may differ materially from those described or implied in
such forward-looking statements based on a number of factors and
uncertainties, including, but not limited to, (i) adverse change in
general economic conditions; (ii) adverse change in the industries
Caterpillar serves including construction, infrastructure, mining,
energy, marine and electric power generation; (iii) Caterpillar's
ability to manage material, including steel, and freight costs;
(iv) Caterpillar's ability to generate cash from operations, secure
external funding for its operations and manage its liquidity needs;
(v) material adverse change in customers' access to liquidity and
capital; (vi) currency exchange or interest rates changes; (vii)
political stability; (viii) market acceptance of the company's
products and services; (ix) significant changes in the competitive
environment; (x) epidemic diseases; (xi) severe change in weather
conditions negatively impacting operations; (xii) changes in law,
regulations and tax rates; and (xiii) other general economic,
business and financing conditions and factors described in more
detail in "Item 1A - Risk Factors" in Part II of our Form 10-Q
filed with the SEC on October 30, 2009 for the 3rd quarter of 2009.
This filing is available on our website at
http://www.cat.com/sec_filings. We do not undertake to update our
forward-looking statements. DATASOURCE: Caterpillar Inc. CONTACT:
Kate Kenny, Corporate Public Affairs of Caterpillar Inc.,
+1-309-636-5253, Web Site: http://www.cat.com/
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