Leading Cat® dealer WesTrac is marking dual milestones in 2025, headlined today by its long-standing partner Caterpillar® celebrating 100 years since its inception.
The first iteration of machines was delivered to New South Wales in 1913, when Holt Manufacturing Company showcased tractors and harvesters to local pastoralists and farmers, proving so popular that the business secured a new market in Australia.
On 15 April 1925, the Caterpillar brand was born when the founders of Holt Manufacturing Co and C.L. Best Gas Traction Co decided to merge their companies. During the year following, the Cat product would officially enter the Western Australia and New South Wales markets.
A century later, Caterpillar has become a globally recognised organisation and brand, and in Australia, WesTrac is the leading supplier of Cat equipment and services in WA, NSW and the ACT.
This year, Caterpillar’s milestone coincides with WesTrac celebrating 35 years of delivering Cat equipment and technology to sites across Western Australia.
WesTrac CEO Jarvas Croome said during this time, the company had delivered more than 20,000 Cat machines and supported more than 47,000 customers in WA across the mining, construction, agricultural and forestry industries.
“WesTrac first started in 1990, serving customers from a facility in South Guildford and we have since expanded to more than 10 branches across the state, including within the Kimberley, Pilbara, Mid West, Goldfields and South West regions,” Jarvas said.
“We’re extremely proud to be a Cat dealer and to have made a significant contribution to the company’s long and rich history.
“Some of the highlights especially in the last decade, include launching the world-renowned WesTrac Technology Training Centre in Collie, which is the only autonomous training centre of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and has trained more than 900 technicians since opening in 2020.
“We are also an industry-leading training and education provider, which was acknowledged when WesTrac received the WA Large Employer of the Year Award last year, and runner-up at the national training awards - both titles the team at WesTrac are proud to have earned.”
Nationally, WesTrac has trained more than 2,400 apprentices through the WesTrac Institute, providing the next generation of technicians with the skills and know-how to help customers with changing business needs and industry demands.
WesTrac Chief Executive NSW/ACT Adrian Howard said the company remained committed to investing in state-of-the-art facilities and training centres across Australia.
“By investing in our people and facilities, we are also investing in our customers, by providing the tools to help them face any challenges posed by evolving industry needs,” he said.
“This includes launching the Tomago Technology Experience Centre in New South Wales in 2023, which gives customers hands-on experience with new and emerging Cat technologies.
“We have also installed an AI-powered AutoStore parts warehousing solution and commissioned a world-first automated fluid analysis laboratory, to help customers in the modern-day, 24/7 working environment.”
Adrian said these advancements reflected the goal of both Caterpillar and WesTrac to remain at the forefront of technology and innovation to help customers’ continued success.
“This next century will undoubtedly bring a new level of evolution to how mining and construction industries operate, supported by the most advanced Cat equipment and technology,” he said.
“Improving sustainability and incorporating automation into operations are key goals for our customers, which can be achieved through our latest offerings to reduce emissions, improve productivity and safety.
“As a leading Cat dealer, WesTrac will be with our customers every step of the way as we work to build better together.”
In 2024, WesTrac NSW/ACT also celebrated a major anniversary, marking 20 years of delivering Cat machines and world-class service and support to more than 36,000 mining and construction customers across the regions.
This year, WesTrac will host and take part in a series of commemorative events and activities to celebrate the milestones and Caterpillar’s centenary, honouring the achievements made by team members and the partnerships with customers over the decades.
To celebrate the 100-year anniversary, Caterpillar has also released a range of centennial machines, painted in historical grey branding, for customers to purchase.
WesTrac thanks its customers, partners, Caterpillar and team members across Australia for their part in helping it become the industry-leading business it is today.
To learn more about Caterpillar’s centennial, visit caterpillar.com/100
Marissa Taddeo
marissa@hellospoke.com.au
0401 019 885
Emily Evans
emily@hellospoke.com.au
0401 337 959
As one of the largest authorised Cat equipment dealers in the world, WesTrac provides customers with a wide range of mining and construction equipment as well as comprehensive whole-of-life management solutions designed to make owning and operating equipment as easy, profitable and safe as possible. With more than 4,500 staff, WesTrac is focused on long-term customer relationships and a dedication to customer service, safety, quality and the environment.
To achieve this, we commit to building better together through collaboration and collective action. Helping customers achieve their own ESG objectives to reduce emissions through product advancements and technology solutions. This shared goal of a sustainable future for all is why we are focused on Responsibility, Advancement, Community, Inclusivity, Development and Solutions, as a means to deliver long-term positive success for the environment, customers, team members, stakeholders and the wider community.
Community development and support is an important part of the WesTrac philosophy, and we are proud to support local activities, events and charities in the regions we are based. As part of SGH Ltd, WesTrac also has strong alliances with other leading Australian businesses, including Seven West Media, Boral, Coates and SITECH.
