Cat warehouse expected to benefit region

SPOKANE — When it opens next year in Spokane County a new Caterpillar distribution center will employ more than 100 warehouse workers, benefitting the region.

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire said $235,000 in state assistance helped clinch the deal announced by the heavy equipment company. The state provided $135,000 to the Greater Spokane organization to help recruit the company and $100,000 to train workers.

The 500,000-square-foot facility is expected to open late in 2012 on the West Plains in the Spokane Valley, replacing a 125,000-square-foot facility that employs about 11 people in Spokane Valley.