Leaders from Caterpillar are traveling to Cuba this week as the company tries to grow business opportunities in the island nation. The Peoria-based company announced Wednesday representatives from machinery dealer RIMCO are joining CEO Doug Oberhelman and Cat executives. Oberhelman says this week’s trip lays “important groundwork” for Cat and RIMCO to serve the Cuban market, once the remaining trade restrictions are lifted.
The news follows an announcement in February that Caterpillar selected Puerto Rican-based company RIMCO to sell construction machines, power systems, turbines and engines to the island nation.
The travel itinerary includes a stop at the home of the late writer Ernest Hemingway. Cat is donating a skid steer loader for the construction of a conservation laboratory near the Hemingway House. The lab would house historic artifacts and documents. Caterpillar also donated 500-thousand dollars to the Foundation that handles preservations efforts at the historic home. Hemingway purchased it in 1940.