Caterpillar has donated a new 316E hydraulic excavator to the Experimental Mine Facility at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T).
The excavator, valued at $250,000, was given to Missouri S&T courtesy of Fabick CAT and Caterpillar Global Minining.
Missouri S&T’s chancellor Cheryl B Schrader said: “This gift will help Missouri S&T continue to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations – from our students to all those who invest in us. We are grateful to Caterpillar and Fabick CAT for this generous gift, which will give our students experience on the same equipment they will find in the field.”
This donation is a reflection of the longstanding relationship that exists between Caterpillar and the seat of learning. Many graduates from Missouri S&T have gone on to work for the construction machinery manufacturer, including Caterpillar Global Mining group president Steve Wunning. Individuals from both sides are confident that such collaboration will continue long into the future.
“We hope to continue to work with the university to meet Cat’s long-term goals and to provide some great career opportunities for S&T graduates,” commented Caterpillar Global Mining’s Steve Berkebile.
This sentiment was echoed by Kelli Fabick, marketing manager at local distributor Fabick CAT and great, great granddaughter of the company’s founder.
“Fabick is excited to continue its partnership with S&T to develop educational opportunities in this field and in this industry that we share,” she said.
The 316E hydraulic excavator will be used to excavate materials, dig drainage-control trenches, and lay pipelines at the Missouri S&T’s Experimental Mine Facility. The machine’s hydraulic hammer attachment will enable students to learn how to break boulders and concrete structures – a skill that will prove extremely useful in situations where the use of explosives is not permitted.
