PRESS RELEASE: Cat-branded articulated truck manufacturing began in Peterlee, UK, in 1985.

"The articulated truck has been a key member of Caterpillar's core product line since it was developed in Peterlee, which has always been its proud home," said Brent Losey, product manager for articulated trucks.

"Cat articulated trucks are helping our customers meet their objectives on construction and mine sites around the world. We are proud to see the 50,000th truck drive off the assembly line, and we look forward to the next 50,000."

Trader Construction Company of New Bern, North Carolina, US, received the 50,000th unit during a ceremony held at the Peterlee facility.

Carl Huddle, president of Trader, and Gregory Poole Cat dealer representatives were on hand to receive keys to Trader's newest Cat 745, a 45.2 US ton (41t) articulated truck.

"Trader and Caterpillar have enjoyed a longstanding relationship dating back to the 1960s, and Trader has owned or leased a total of 500 40-ton (36t) class articulated trucks over the years," said Anthony Pollock, articulated trucks marketing manager for Caterpillar.

Since 1957, Trader has worked in close partnership with municipal, commercial and private customers on mining, road and highway, bridge, aviation, site development and other infrastructure projects large and small throughout North and South Carolina. The company operates and maintains more than 200 pieces of heavy equipment, including 50 articulated trucks.

With a heritage dating back to the DJB Design & Engineering company, today's Cat family of articulated trucks features six, three-axle models with rated payloads ranging from 26.5 to 45.2 tons (24-41t) and heaped capacities from 19.6yd3 to 32.7yd3 (15-25m3). Caterpillar first premiered a 40-ton payload class articulated truck with the D400 in 1985.