Caterpillar Names Puerto Rico’s Rimco its Official Dealer for Cuba
Caterpillar has selected Rimco, a privately owned Puerto Rico company, to be Cat dealer for Cuba, the Peoria, Ill.-based manufacturer announced. Currently Rimco is Caterpillar dealer in Puerto Rico and the Eastern Caribbean. Upon easing of trade restrictions in Cuba, customers in Cuba will be able to purchase Caterpillar products through Rimco in accordance with U.S. and Cuba regulations.
Caterpillar has been an advocate for change in policy towards Cuba for nearly two decades, and will continue to work with the Administration and Congress to end the 50-plus-year embargo against Cuba.
“We’re pleased to take this important step with our longtime partner Rimco,” said Philip Kelliher, vice president with responsibility for the Americas and Europe Distribution Services Division. “Cuba needs access to the types of products that Caterpillar makes and, upon easing of trade restrictions, we look forward to providing the equipment needed to contribute to the building of Cuba’s infrastructure. This momentous announcement is part of our preparations in anticipation of the United States lifting its 55-year-old trade embargo on Cuba.”
“There is a great affinity between Cuba and Puerto Rico as a result of our shared language, culture and traditions,” said Richard McConnie, president of Rimco. “Rimco will be honored to serve the Cuba market once the United States and Cuba re-establish commercial relations.”
President Obama announced on Dec. 17, 2014, that the United States would move to normalize relations with Cuba. Since then, embassies have opened in each nation and there have been gradual steps to open diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
While steps remain until relations are fully normalized, including lifting the embargo, Rimco and Caterpillar will prepare to serve the Cuban marketplace with construction and mining equipment, power systems, marine and industrial engines.
