US-based construction and mining equipment company Caterpillar Inc said that its philanthropic organization — the Caterpillar Foundation — will donate up to $10 million in China over the next five years.

The donation will mainly support charity programs such as vocational training, science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, sustainable infrastructure, and disaster preparedness and mitigation.

This is part of the organization's continuous commitment to help transform communities, by making them stronger, more resilient and more sustainable.

Alan Yang, senior vice-president of Caterpillar, said: "For a century, Caterpillar's innovations have helped shape the modern world. Today, we are continuing our journey by investing in autonomy, alternative fuels, connectivity and digital, and electrification, with a steadfast focus on advancing our customers' productivity, safety, and sustainability for the next 100 years." He made the remarks during a media briefing at the ongoing 17th Beijing International Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines and Mining Machines Exhibition in Beijing.

"This year marks the 100th anniversary of Caterpillar. It is also the 50th anniversary of the company's operations in China. China remains a strategic location for Caterpillar. In the coming years, with innovation being a key engine, we will be continuously committed to China, bringing better solutions to local customers."

He noted that the past 50 years formed an important journey for Caterpillar. The company has been constantly developing advanced products and solutions to meet customer needs.

"Looking forward, there will be dramatic changes in product application scenarios and customer needs. We've seen trends toward more flexible fuel solutions, more sustainable ways of working and more efficient operations. Based on these changes, we will continuously deliver expanded new product offerings and services solutions to our customers," he said.

Caterpillar unveiled the latest products at the expo — Cat 3101 Super Large Hydraulic Excavator, NextGen Cat 301.7 CR Mini Excavator and SEM 669G (423.9 kWh) Electric Wheel Loader — designed for better performance, extended machine life cycles and lower operational costs.

"In the past 50 years, we have successfully established a complete value chain in China, with local manufacturing, research and development, supply chain, services, and a strong dealer network. We stay focused on long-term opportunities in economic development in China," Yang said.

Fang Jianxian, general manager of lmjx.net, said that Caterpillar — which has been present in China for the last 50 years — tells a vivid story of how a century-old enterprise constantly meets the demand of clients.

From initially introducing equipment to China, establishing more than 20 factories and several branches, to moving the whole supply chain to the country, its localized strategy of "in China, for China" is actually forward-looking.

"Specifically, Caterpillar is constantly investing in vocational training and STEM education in China, which not only cultivates local talent, but also solidifies its industrial base. This long-term approach is not common among multinational corporations," he said.

zhengyiran@chinadaily.com.cn