PEORIA, Ill. — Caterpillar veteran Jim Grasse was recently promoted to global allied products program manager, responsible for relationships with worldwide vendors of “allied” products, equipment other than Caterpillar rented and sold in Cat Rental Centers. Globally, the Peoria, Ill.-based manufacturer has more than 1,600 rental locations and its relationships with vendors of products that complement Caterpillar equipment are critical to its success. Grasse is now based in Peoria.

Grasse grew up in the rental business. His father, Bill, was the co-founder and co-owner of Acme Rents, which later evolved into Rental Service Corp. Bill Grasse was also instrumental in the founding of the first rental industry magazine, RER, in the 1950s, helping RER founder Jim Gartland establish relationships with rental center owners.

Grasse's grandfather, Palmer Grasse, founded Palmer Distributing, which sold floorcare products to the rental market.

Before his current position, Jim Grasse was involved in the development of Cat Rental Stores throughout Latin America.