Two of the world’s largest and most-respected manufacturers of construction equipment – Caterpillar and John Deere – have announced that they are suspending their operations in Russia amidst the ongoing conflict with neighbouring Ukraine.
In a statement, Caterpillar says:
We are deeply saddened by the tragic events continuing to occur in Ukraine and hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Through the Caterpillar Foundation, we are donating more than $1 million to support both urgent and long-term needs of the Ukraine humanitarian crisis.
We are complying with all applicable laws and evolving sanctions, while remaining focused on our employees, dealers and customers.
Operations in Russia have become increasingly challenging, including supply chain disruptions and sanctions, and we are suspending operations in our Russian manufacturing facilities.
We recognise this is a time of incredible uncertainty for our valued employees, and we will continue to look for ways to support them.
Caterpillar has a plant in Tonso, Russia that makes mining trucks and excavators, as well as components shipped to European factories. It also has a replacement parts distribution centre in Moscow.
Meanwhile, Deere & Co. said it halted shipments of machines to Russia two weeks ago as the nation invaded Ukraine, and subsequently stopped deliveries to Belarus.
“John Deere is deeply saddened by the significant escalation of events in Ukraine,” Jennifer Hartmann, a Deere spokeswoman, said in an emailed statement. “Two weeks ago, we suspended shipments of machines to Russia and then subsequently, Belarus. We continue to monitor the situation closely while we fully abide by U.S. and international sanctions.”
