By Jeff Martin, The Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP) -- An official familiar with the project tells The Associated Press that Caterpillar plans to build a new manufacturing facility in Georgia, bringing an estimated 1,400 jobs to the state.
The official said Friday the plant will be built in the Athens area. The official requested anonymity because a formal announcement has not been made.
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has scheduled a 10 a.m. news conference for what he describes as a major jobs announcement.
The governor's office and the Peoria, Ill.-based company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Earlier, Caterpillar officials had told North Carolina lawmakers that their state was also being considered for the plant where small tractors and excavators will be produced.