The McAninch Corporation was established in 1967 and over the years has acquired one of the largest and newest fleets of CATERPILLAR equipment in the U.S. McAninch is recognized as one of the most technically advanced earthmoving and underground utilities contractors in the world. The company serves as a research and development partner with CATERPILLAR Corporation on equipment and components, and Trimble Navigation Ltd. for the development and testing of new Global Positioning System hardware and software. Faculty members at Iowa State University consult with McAninch project managers in regard to emerging science in the field of soil technology.