Caterpillar closing South Carolina plant

FOUNTAIN INN, S.C. (AP) — Caterpillar is moving its engine production plant operations from Fountain Inn to Georgia and Texas, affecting 380 full-time and 130 temporary jobs.

The company said Tuesday its marine engine operation is shifting to Griffin, Ga., and the C7 engine assembly line is moving to Seguin, Texas. The South Carolina plant is closing by the end of the year.

The firm says the move is being made to improve efficiency.

The company says severance packages are being offered to full-time employees and they may be considered for the relocated jobs.

Last week, the company announced first quarter profits for the company had increased 5 percent.

Caterpillar also has plants in Anderson County, Newberry and Toccoa, Ga.

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