PEORIA, Ill — Caterpillar today announced the formation of Cat Environmental Technologies — a new group that brings the development and manufacturing of all aftertreatment technology and products in-house.

The result is a single source for engine technology that meets demanding emissions standards while cost effectively reducing the environmental impact of Cat engines, says the company. The facility is part of the Caterpillar Engine Component business unit, which is headed by Jim Green, general manager.

Among the division’s goals is providing cost-effective, robust environmental products and services that exceed expectations for reliability and durability while meeting or surpassing local and national emissions regulations. The division also strives to provide the industry’s fastest order-to-delivery capability.

All products and services provided by the group will be available and supported through the Caterpillar dealer network. In developing new aftertreatment products and services, the group will utilize Cat’s expertise and extended network in materials, catalysis and performance evaluation to manufacture products that will meet emissions requirements for years to come, according to Green.

“Caterpillar has the infrastructure and expertise to design and build durable aftertreatment products at a low cost-Cat Environmental Technologies will capitalize on this advantage,” Green said. “This move also provides Cat customers with seamless integration from emissions technology in the engine through the aftertreatment process.”

Caterpillar Environmental Technologies currently is manufacturing the diesel particulate filter (DPF) used for mass transit buses and aftertreatment products for the retrofit market, including school buses and some off-road machinery. Also in development are aftertreatment technologies and products for electric power generation. The group will manufacture the new DPF for use with Caterpillar on-highway engines with ACERT technology for 2007.