With an enhanced focus on the performance of its paint systems, Caterpillar Inc. now depends more on its own staff to meet very demanding paint process initiatives.
The constant attention that leading manufacturers are paying to building upon competitive advantages will, over time, drive the rethinking of conventional wisdom. A practical example of this, involving large-scale painting operations, occurred between 2000 and 2001 at Caterpillar's Mining and Construction Equipment (MCE) division. The experience illustrates why Caterpillar now opts for an internally managed approach to the design or redesign of many of the company's paint-system assets around the world.