Caterpillar Inc.

Henry C. Turner Prize

The National Building Museum has selected Caterpillar Inc. to receive its prestigious Henry C. Turner Prize for Innovation in Construction Technology. Recognized as a construction industry leader for quality and innovation, Caterpillar continues to innovate by using sophisticated GPS equipment, advance hydraulic systems, and cleaner engines. Tana Utley, chief technology officer for Caterpillar Inc., discusses the company’s past, present, and future.

2011 Henry C. Turner Prize Jury Statement

The jury for the Henry C. Turner Prize for Innovation in Construction Technology unanimously recommends the selection of Caterpillar Inc. to receive the 9th Award in 2011. Recognized as a construction industry leader, Caterpillar has led through an innovative approach over its 85 year history. GPS and GIS technology has allowed their machines to be used more safely and efficiently. By using GPS data, construction equipment automatically record how deep machines are digging, if grades are even and encourage more precise measurements on construction sites. The system also provides real time data on machine maintenance needs. The company has worked to reduce emissions with the new electric drive D7E bulldozer and the introduction of ACERT technology which is an advanced engine air and injection system. They have led the field with the use of hydraulic technology in their big earth moving equipment and been a presence across the globe. In the words of jury member Art Gensler, Caterpillar has taken “American technology and know-how around the world.” “Caterpillar is widely recognized by construction industry professionals for quality and innovation,” added fellow jury member Janice L. Tuchman, editor-in-chief of Engineering News-Record.

“Since the early days of the corporation, Caterpillar has consistently excelled in developing innovative products to meet the emerging technical and market challenges of the construction and mining industries. Their recent examples of increasing the sustainability and productivity of their equipment products in response to global concerns about climate change provides another example of their leadership.” Bob Tatum, Obayashi Professor of Engineering Emeritus, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford.