OPENING OF CAT LOGISTICS FACILITY IN CHINA.

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SHANGHAI, March 31 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ - Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) subsidiary Caterpillar Logistics Services, Inc. (Cat Logistics) has opened a new parts distribution center in the Lingang Industrial Area in Shanghai. The distribution center is currently providing parts for Caterpillar dealers in China, with plans to expand parts distribution from the location to dealers in Korea and Mongolia by the end of 2006. Caterpillar Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Owens was in Shanghai today, meeting with Cat Logistics employees who will help support this new facility.

"Caterpillar is honored to play a role in the tremendous progress that is taking place in China," said Owens. "Whenever I travel to China, I take great pride in seeing Caterpillar machines at work building roads, airports, schools, hospitals and homes. This new logistics facility will play a key role in helping our Chinese customers as they continue to take part in China's incredible economic growth."

The new 21,000 m(2) (226,042 ft(2)) distribution center will distribute parts to 34 dealer locations in China and will initially employ approximately 40 logistics professionals and carry in excess of 21,000 part numbers for Caterpillar machine and engine products.

"The opening of the China Distribution Center is evidence of Caterpillar's commitment to supporting our valued local dealerships and customers in this region," said Mary Bell, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for Caterpillar Logistics Services, Inc.

The establishment of the China Distribution Center positions Cat Logistics to manage aftermarket parts distribution for other companies seeking a presence in the Chinese marketplace. Cat Logistics currently provides integrated logistics solutions for more than 60 global companies.

"The opening of the China Distribution Center is evidence of our ability to provide integrated logistics services for Caterpillar and for ...