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Celebrate 100 Years of Caterpillar with Alister Cant
Step into the heart of Australia’s heavy machinery legacy with Alister Cant, General Manager Operations at WesTrac New South Wales and the ACT. In this video, Alister shares his personal journey from apprentice to leader, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the people, technology, and values that drive one of the world’s biggest Cat dealerships. Whether you’re passionate about construction, curious about industrial innovation, or simply love a good story of growth and grit, this is a glimpse into a world where machines meet meaning.
As Caterpillar celebrates its 100-year milestone, WesTrac stands proudly as a key player in that legacy—fueling progress across New South Wales and the ACT. From cutting-edge tech like VisionLink and Cat Grade to sustainable initiatives like solar-powered facilities, this video showcases how WesTrac is Building Better Together. It’s not just about the machines—it’s about the people behind them, the customers they serve, and the future they’re shaping.
The WesTrac facility at Tomago, New South Wales, is more than a state-of-the-art hub for heavy machinery.
It’s the beating heart of an Australian industrial legacy — one intertwined with global machinery icon Caterpillar, which turns 100 years old this year.
As Caterpillar celebrates a century of innovation and resilience, WesTrac stands at the vanguard of this remarkable journey, with Tomago as the epicentre of customer support, technological advancement, and skilled craftsmanship.
Known to customers as WesTrac Newcastle, the Tomago facility sprawls across 22 hectares and ranks among the largest Caterpillar dealer operations worldwide.
With 12 purpose-built facilities, a massive 560,000 cubic metres of building space, and pioneering resources such as the WesTrac Institute (NSW) and the new Technology Experience Centre, Tomago is more than a warehouse — it’s an industrial nerve centre.
It can accommodate more than 1,500 team members, boasting expansive rebuild and component overhaul facilities, a world class fluid laboratory, logistics hubs, and machining units brought in-house to accelerate delivery and quality.
General Manager for Operations at WesTrac NSW/ACT, Alister Cant, said the Tomago facility represents the best of what WesTrac and Caterpillar can achieve together.
“It’s where we deliver entire fleets of new machines, carry out complex rebuilds, and provide hands-on training for the next generation. Our customers rely on us not just for equipment, but for support, knowledge, partnership, and continuous innovation,” he said.
“We invest in our team.”
“It’s not uncommon to meet colleagues who’ve spent decades with WesTrac or its predecessor dealers. Their deep experience and commitment underpin everything we do.”
“Our team’s long tenure means we know our customers and their challenges intimately—we help unlock true value from every Cat machine purchased.”
Alister himself is a shining example of this longevity, having been with Caterpillar and the Cat dealer family for 20 years.
“I started as an apprentice in a Cat dealership much like this, and today, as the General Manager of Operations, I support the men and women who man our branches: 17 across New South Wales and the ACT, supporting 6500 active customers and around 20,000 connected assets nationally.”
Indeed, Alister is proud that WesTrac’s commitment is unmistakably people-centric.
“Whether delivering a fleet of equipment or a single rebuilt component, the promise is the same: industry-leading support, lifelong partnership, and the expertise to keep Australia moving.”
“We all get proud when we see a customer take delivery of a new machine but it’s the support behind them that keeps our customers loyal.”
“Our extensive branch network, our shared services, our rapid logistics — they’re all geared to unlock the full value of every Cat machine.”
“Customers don’t just buy equipment from us, they invest in a partnership that lasts a lifetime.”
A shared legacy with Caterpillar
Since the first Cat machines arrived in NSW almost a hundred years ago, WesTrac and its predecessor dealers have been integral to the region’s earthmoving story.
WesTrac itself has supported the Australian earthmoving industry since 1990, expanding to NSW and the ACT 15 years later.
Alister said the partnership was more than commercial; it’s cultural and generational.
“Being part of Caterpillar’s 100-year journey is an honour,” he said.
“WesTrac has grown with Caterpillar, expanding our capabilities and footprint along the way.”
Alister said that the dealer has helped customers in mining, construction, transport, agriculture, forestry, and marine — anywhere that the ‘yellow iron’ is found.
“The legacy isn’t just machines — it’s in every connection, every innovation and every challenge overcome side-by-side,” he said.
Ever the innovator
Modern earthmoving is evolving fast, and WesTrac Newcastle reflects this progress.
Integral to the Tomago facility is the WesTrac Institute.
Designed to develop the next generation of industry professionals, The Institute trains up to 4,000 students annually, ranging from apprentice technicians and electricians to seasoned equipment operators. With 13 general classrooms, a large workshop and access to technological simulators and equipment demonstration area, the Institute is where theory meets practice.
Opened in 2023, it offers immersive training in the latest Cat technologies such as VisionLink® and Cat Grade, alongside digital solutions for site safety,, and productivity.
Also showcased are models in the XE range, which includes premium, next-generation machines with advanced technologies for improved efficiency, productivity, and operator performance. These machines feature advanced hydrostatic or electric powertrains, offering benefits like lower fuel consumption, higher power, greater control, and improved operator comfort.
“Caterpillar won’t release a new product unless it’s more efficient and effective than the last,” Alister said.
“Right across WesTrac, we see that pledge in action every day. Whether it’s new product launches, operator training, or sustainability initiatives, our customers trust that what’s new will help them work safer, more efficiently, and with less impact on the planet.”
Even for WesTrac itself, sustainability is high on the priority list. The Tomago facility, and many other regional branches, already have advanced solar power systems on the roof, reducing carbon emissions and championing emission-free operations.
Building the next century
Alister said that as Caterpillar embarks on its next century, WesTrac stands ready, innovating and adapting for future challenges.
“With advanced training, sustainable operations, and a relentless focus on customer success, we’re ready for what the next 100 years could bring for earthmoving in Australia and beyond,” he said.
“To be a part of the 100-year journey is humbling. At WesTrac, we look forward to shaping the next 100 years with Caterpillar — developing our people, our technology, and our commitment to ensuring our customers’ success, today and for generations yet to come.”
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