WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ditch Witch, Grasshopper and Caterpillar had products on display at the White House on July, 17 for the Made in America Product Showcase. The showcase aimed to celebrate American-made products.
Representing the state of Oklahoma, a Ditch Witch JT20 horizontal directional drill was on display.
“We are honored to represent the state of Oklahoma,” said Dennis Wierzbicki, Ditch Witch president. “Handcrafted in Perry Oklahoma, Ditch Witch products are part of the history of American industry. We’re proud of the innovative products we’ve contributed to the global underground construction market and strive to continually evaluate customer feedback to evolve our products to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry.”
Grasshoppers new zero-turn radius mower was on display outside the rose garden, representing Kansas. National Park Service ground crews have been using equipment from the Moundridge-based company for nearly 15 years.
“They’re familiar with us, they knew we’re made in Kansas, made in America,” Mike Simmons, communications manager with the company said. “It was a natural fit with the message.”
A 966M wheel loader from Caterpillar, built in Aurora, Illinois was featured on the South Lawn of the White House.
“Caterpillar is proud to represent Illinois and showcase this wheel loader as just one example of the skill and craftsmanship of our employees,” said Caterpillar CEO Jim Umpleby. “We appreciate the President’s dedication to manufacturing industries and the men and women who build and deliver some of the finest products in the world.”