Caterpillar Closing Fountain Inn, SC Plant

Caterpillar is moving its engine production plant operations from Fountain Inn, S.C., to Georgia and Texas, affecting 380 full-time and 130 temporary jobs.

The company, which has a plant in Toccoa and is opening a new plant in Athens, said Tuesday its marine engine operation is shifting to Griffin, Ga., and the C7 engine assembly line is moving to Seguin, Texas.

Caterpillar also has plants in Anderson County and Newberry, SC.

The South Carolina plant will close by the end of the year.  The firm says the move is being made to improve efficiency.   The company says severance packages are being offered to full-time employees and they may be considered for the relocated jobs.

Last week, the company announced first quarter profits  had increased five percent.