Caterpillar – “Strong company”

Pros

Best in the industry of diesel engines. NPI cycles are about 3 to 4 years. Lots of smart people. Come early - leave early. Good balance of work and health. Jim Owens has done a phenomenal job. One of the best CEO's.

Cons

Take a long time to file for Permanent Residency for non-immigrants. Promotions are not provided during that time.

Lots of fat. Old style management. Lots of loyal management has been kept in the company at high salary grades but there is not much output from them.

Only few divisions are profitable - engineering indeed is one of them.

Very traditional in nature. Do not have the luxuries when compared to some California companies.

Peoria as a place is boring for young adults. Not much to do.

Advice to Senior Management

Cut the fat.

Is less than 10% of the divisions are profitable - then something is wrong internally.