Caterpillar has announced plans to build a new road grader plant in Arkansas to consolidate its operations as the world's largest supplier of construction and mining equipment and industrial gas turbines.

According to Arkansas News, the company will bring 600 jobs to North Little Rock when the facility is opened, all of whom will also be able to benefit from training and development courses run by the Pulaski technical college.

Governor Mike Beebe told a news conference in the state capital that the training would be extended as part of a government incentive package which will also involve payroll-based tax credits and a cash rebate for workers.

"This decision is an announcement to the world that we are a major factor in the vehicle manufacturing industry," said North Little Rock mayor Patrick Hays.

The Pulaski technical college was opened in the autumn of 2008 and provides local citizens with the skills necessary to pursue a career in a range of sectors including the oil and gas industry.

Global Education and Training event for Oil and Gas: Refining and Petrochemicals