Construction equipment maker Caterpillar is already accepting job applications for its planned manufacturing plant in northeast Georgia.

Not quite a month has passed since the company announced a 1.2 million-square-foot plant near Athens. Still, Caterpillar says it plans to begin production in late 2013 and is looking to hire 1,400 workers once the plant is fully operational.

Caterpillar has posted jobs for management and supervisory positions — jobs requiring a college degree and some work experience.

Clarke and Oconee counties are spending $17.6 million to buy land and prepare the site for Caterpillar, which is also getting $12.4 million in property tax breaks and $45 million in state incentives.

Tags: Athens, Oconee County, Athens-Clarke County, Caterpillar