Morgan Vawter, Caterpillar chief analytics director, said Chicago, “is an ideal location for continuing to cultivate and grow a diverse, creative digital and analytics work force."

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) The Peoria-based construction and mining equipment company, Caterpillar Inc., is opening its first permanent office in Chicago.

The (Peoria) Journal Star reports that the Caterpillar office will have 45 employees and be located in the downtown Merchandise Mart building along the Chicago River. The new Chicago “Digital and Analytics Hub” expands on operations already housed in Peoria.

Specifically the company's Analytics and Innovation division takes information from sensors embedded in heavy equipment and relays it to Caterpillar and others. The division was created in April 2015.

Caterpillar made the announcement during the recent “Chicago Ideas Week" event.

Morgan Vawter, Caterpillar chief analytics director, said Chicago, “is an ideal location for continuing to cultivate and grow a diverse, creative digital and analytics work force."

Today's top stories

New Bridges Part of Iowa's $114M Madison Avenue Project

Eagle Bridge Co. Works On Final Leg of U.S. 35 Upgrade

Fay Preps Way for Pittsburgh International Airport Modernization Project

SAKAI Achieves Record Sales, Production

Takeuchi Recognizes Top Dealers at 2024 Dealer Summit

Muddy Water Dredging Christens Marlin Class Dredge

Indiana Officials Mark Start of 2024 Construction Season, Promote Safety

Leica Geosystems Launches its First Machine Smart Antenna — Leica iCON gps 120