Holt CAT, one of the largest Caterpillar equipment dealers in the United States, celebrated its “Heritage of Innovation” by recognizing the 100-year anniversary of the first practical, track-type tractor.

Approximately 1,100 guests were on hand for the two-day event on Nov. 8-9, which included the introduction of the D8T track-type tractor, a cocktail and dinner part, and an open house that included displays by CAT rental services, hydraulic services, machine diagnostics, ground engaging tools, Holt’s Custom Engineered Products Division, Holt Power Systems, the CAT Parts Store and CAT Financial.

Benjamin Holt, great grandfather of Peter M. Holt, current CEO of Holt CAT, first demonstrated his innovative design of a machine moving on self-laying tracks on Thanksgiving Day 1904. The tractor’s movement inspired the name “Caterpillar,” which today is one of the best-known brands in the world.

“Over the past 100 years, the Caterpillar track-type tractor has made an essential contribution to American and global progress,” said Peter M. Holt, fourth generation in the Holt family to be connected with Caterpillar Inc. and its predecessors. “It is a privilege to carry on the Holt family tradition of finding innovative ways to better serve the community. I am especially honored to join the extended Holt CAT family of employees and customers as we take part in this historical and once-in-a-lifetime celebration of our unique connection to Caterpillar Inc. and Benjamin Holt.”

Through the remainder of 2004, Holt will celebrate the anniversary with customer appreciation events and exhibits at many of its store locations in north, east, central and south Texas.

Holt has collected a number of antique tractors and other machines, which will be displayed along with the latest Caterpillar products and services offered by Holt CAT.

Holt CAT sells, rents and services Caterpillar machines, engines and generator sets in a 118-county Texas territory spanning from the Red River to the Rio Grande.

Holt also offers total machine rebuild capabilities and sells used equipment around the world. Further supporting its broad range of products and services, HOLT also fabricates its own line of land clearing equipment and Holt Spray King water tankers.

For more information, visit www.holtcat.com.

(This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s Web site at www.ceg.ltd.)

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