China’s construction industry will grow 10% in 2012 says the Group President of US heavy industry giant Caterpillar. Speaking ahead of the Asian Financial Forum 2012, Richard Lavin also expects the Rmb to strengthen against the US dollar and says growth of the Rmb “dim sum” bond market in Hong Kong “can only increase.” Asian Financial Forum: www.asianfinancialforum.com Caterpillar Inc website http Note: Mr Lavin was interviewed 19 December 2011 for this video released on 3 January 2012.

In Peoria, Illinois we visited the Caterpillar Doozer factory. Unfortunately, filming was strictly prohibited. At the Edwards Demonstration and Learning Center we were allowed to film again.

In Peoria, Illinois we visited the Caterpillar Doozer factory. Unfortunately, filming was strictly prohibited. At the Edwards Demonstration and Learning Center we were allowed to film again.

Nothing appears to be happening on the site. There’s a construction trailer, but no equipment and no signs of progress beyond the demolition. They do, however, have one of the best construction fences we’ve seen.

Caterpillar is one of the largest heavy equipment manufacturers in the world. It employs over one hundred and twenty thousand people globally. Fifteen thousand of those employees live and work near Caterpillar’s headquarters in Peoria, Illinois. Until recently, Peoria was weathering the recession better than most areas of the United States. But Caterpillar is now feeling the pain from the economic downturn that is putting thousands of people in central Illinois out of a job. …