According to reports, more than 20 of Caterpillar?s facilities and over 10 per cent of its manufacturing area could be affected by ?consolidations and closures? as a result of the company?s weakened sales and revenues outlook. It said there would be an expected permanent reduction in Caterpillar?s salaried and management workforce, including agency, of 4,000 to 5,000 people between now and the end of 2016, with most coming this year.