Caterpillar says it needs 38,000 more technicians as CONEXPO puts the labor crunch on display
Caterpillar has warned that its worldwide dealer network could require upwards of 38,000 new technicians before 2028 wraps up, highlighting mounting difficulties in recruiting and keeping enough skilled workers for heavy machinery. The hiring gap came to light this week, timed with CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas. Downtime hits hard these days—every idle loader or excavator racks up costs fast. Contractors burn through hours, and equipment makers miss out on those parts-and-service sales that usually stay steady when demand for new machines drops.