August 18, 2019 - When the Caterpillar Tucson Mining Center (TMC) opened in Tucson, Arizona, USA, in April 2019, it brought together several different entities that support surface mines around the world, enabling collaboration and innovation that will allow the company to better support the industry today and in the future.

Home to the Caterpillar Surface Mining and Technology division, the 14,000-square-meter (150,000-square-foot) facility unites a team of company leaders, engineers, sales professionals and mining experts responsible for the development and sales of Cat® large mining trucks, electric rope shovels, hydraulic mining shovels and draglines, as well as the Cat MineStar™ suite of hardware and software offerings developed specifically for use in the mining industry.
Uniting in Tucson

The Tucson team is part of a larger Caterpillar Global Mining team, which designs and sells mining equipment and provides on-site support to surface and underground mining operations in partnership with Cat dealers around the world.

“By uniting this team in Tucson, we make it possible for the engineers designing our products and technologies to work alongside those who have direct contact with the customers who are using them,” says Denise Johnson, Group President, Resource Industries.

The TMC is also in close proximity to the Tucson Proving Ground in nearby Green Valley, where Cat mining machines are tested and validated, as well as the adjacent Tinaja Hills Demonstration & Learning Center, where customers can receive training and see many Cat mining products and technologies in action during live demonstrations.

“Being in Tucson also gives us ready access to mining experts and a large talent pool at the University of Arizona,” Johnson says. The city’s close proximity to working mine sites is also beneficial, with about 650 mines in the state and many more in Central America.

“It’s important for our people to get close to our customers and experience different environments, applications, mining methods and materials,” says Johnson. “Our location in Tucson helps us in that effort.”
Embracing Tucson and the mining industry

When working on the design of the new building, Caterpillar Global Mining leaders invested time and resources into creating a campus that incorporates a number of elements that represent its desert location as well as the industry served by its employees.

One of the first things visitors will notice is the building’s copper paneling — a nod to the copper mining industry. Arizona has led copper production in the United States since 1910 and today produces about 64% of domestic copper.

Outdoor sculptures are made from large equipment parts such as gears, fan blades and axle housings from Cat trucks and loaders. At the center of an outdoor garden is a large custom-made metal globe, with each continent fabricated from minerals mined in that region of the world. A seating area features benches made from steel left over from the manufacture of a mining shovel boom, while two shovel buckets provide a photo opportunity for visitors. A walkway leading into the building features 12 large panels that provide a visual history of Caterpillar in the mining industry, which spans more than 100 years.

Caterpillar history panels

Caterpillar mining-focused displays continue inside the building. The lobby features a large mural that showcases the sheer size of Cat mining equipment, with an actual-size photograph of a Cat 793F Large Mining Truck being loaded by a Cat 6060 shovel, one of the manufacturer’s largest. The area also includes a display of die-cast mining machine models, snapshots of mining topics and how they relate to Arizona, mineral samples and more.

Tucson Mining Center lobby

One wall features a unique map depiction made up of 1,888 actual Cat machine bolts.

Map made of Cat machine bolts

Fostering Collaboration and Innovation

The Tucson mining center can accommodate over 600 employees and incorporates many meeting rooms, discussion areas and product development labs designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Employee areas feature an open floorplan with no offices. A number of meeting rooms and focus areas in various sizes provide space for small, private meetings and larger group meetings. Each floor has a “hub” area that includes refrigerators, microwave ovens, coffee stations and furniture to foster casual conversations.

Work area and common area

Product development locations are also designed for team discussions. “This facility was designed for intense collaboration, which is an important element of our product design cycle,” says Johnson. “We collaborate in person, through virtual meetings and through immersive visualization, all of which are possible at TMC.”

The Virtual Collaboration Center has a three-sided immersive visualization environment (floor and two walls) to allow teams to visualize designs as they start to come together. With capability to hold global 3D immersive design reviews, this space enables worldwide collaboration.

The Electronics Lab is where teams work on developing new technologies that will control and interact with machines and mines sites. This shared space supports software development and streamlines validation of electrical hardware components.

The Makers Space is set up with tools, equipment and Caterpillar’s largest 3D printer and materials. This space is open for all employees to explore ideas, build design concepts, learn and try again. Concept designs can be reviewed by engineers, assembly and supply chain teams, suppliers, and even customers. Participants will be able to see, touch and assemble the parts as they will come together on the factory floor or in the field.

Makers Space

Building a Strong Team

Now that the new facility is complete, Caterpillar will continue to focus on building a strong mining team responsible for the next generation of products and technologies.

“One of the most significant investments we make is in our people,” says Johnson. “Our expanded campus in Tucson will help us to attract the best and the brightest and provide an environment where they can do their best work.”