A global leader in heavy-duty equipment, Caterpillar moves the earth—literally. Caterpillar has facilities across the world. A partner since 2009, Caterpillar has offered several internships focusing on supply chain and optimizing operations, as well as more technically focused projects on welding. Caterpillar actively recruits students interested in leading initiatives in the company.
Research areas: Supply Chain, Lean Optimization/Manufacturing
Impact: Recent internship projects have made a significant impact on the company’s welding process for large equipment. By introducing phased-array technology, the company ensures higher-quality welds. This technology resulted in a patent, and follow-up LGO internships have focused on implementation across the company.
Locations: Peoria or Aurora, IL, with travel opportunities to other manufacturing sites.
Denise Johnson (LGO ’97)
Group President, Caterpillar
While at LGO: MBA & SM, Mechanical Engineering
Previous Studies: Michigan State University, Mechanical Engineering
Denise Johnson is the first woman to enter senior management in Caterpillar’s history. She joined Caterpillar in 2011 after a successful career at General Motors. At CAT, Denise is responsible for underground and surface mining products as well as CAT’s global supply network.
Denise discusses the unique impact the LGO program had on her career and on Caterpillar’s company performance.
Glenn Bergevin (LGO ’13)
Value Chain Engineering Manager, Wheel Tractor Scrapers, Caterpillar
While at LGO: MBA & SM Mechanical Engineering
Previous Studies: University of Massachusetts, Mechanical Engineering
Glenn joined Caterpillar after the LGO program. After initial roles as an internal consultant, Glenn became the Worldwide S&OP and Demand Manager for Caterpillar’s medium wheel loader business, where he directs sourcing decisions, new product introduction, and inventory management for five assembly facilities around the world. He has since taken on a broader role in the company’s wheel tractor scraper business.
Valery Lorou (LGO ’19)
Lean Black Belt consultant, Caterpillar
While at LGO: MBA & SM Mechanical Engineering
Previous Studies: Kettering University, Mechanical Engineering
Before joining LGO, Valery worked for almost 7 years at Dow Chemical Company in different operations and maintenance roles. He conducted his internship at Caterpillar in the Medium Wheel Loader business, working to reduce the lead time of a wheel loader using core configuration and delayed product differentiation concepts. Valery then joined Caterpillar after graduation, where he was responsible for the daily operations of four assembly value streams in Advanced Component Manufacturing. He now serves as a Lean consultant across the company.
Paige Youngerman (LGO ’20)
Manufacturing Engineer, Tucson Proving Grounds, Caterpillar
While at LGO: MBA & SM Mechanical Engineering
Previous Studies: United States Military Academy, Mechanical Engineering
Paige served as an Engineer Officer in the United States Army in a variety of construction management roles. At LGO, she conducted her internship at Caterpillar, working to understand the cost of complexity as a low volume part is manufactured. Paige joined Caterpillar after graduation where she was responsible for understanding and identifying opportunities for improvement in Large Mining Truck product cost. She is now working as a manufacturing engineer focused on electrification at the Tucson Proving Grounds.
