A steel fabricator plans to add more than 150 jobs over the next three years at its Dawson County plant to supply parts for a new Caterpillar production facility in Athens.

Impulse Manufacturing will produce parts for several small excavator models. They will be shipped by truck each day to the Caterpillar plant, where they will be assembled.

Karl Baysden, director of sales and marketing for Impulse, said the company was chosen after a nationwide search for fabricators as a supply source by Caterpillar.

"We are honored to receive this recognition," he said. "The business awarded to Impulse is important to our local community. It means more jobs for Dawsonville and a shot in the arm to North Georgia economy."

The contract with Caterpillar may also lead to expansion of the local metal fabrication facility.

According to Baysden, Impulse invested several million dollars in manufacturing equipment in 2012 and plans call for further investment over the next 18 months.

"We believe that our ongoing investments in technology, our continuous improvement programs and our active quality management systems are primary reasons Caterpillar chose to add Impulse Manufacturing to their supply base," he said.

Local officials agree and welcome the opportunity for more jobs.

Charlie Auvermann, executive director of the Development Authority of Dawson County, called the announcement another example of the community's ability to attract new business.

"Even within the last few days we had calls from people wanting to take a look at Dawson County," he said.