The Holt Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1892 in Stockton. By the start of the twentieth century, Holt Manufacturing Company was the leading manufacturer of combine harvesters in the United States and the leading California-based manufacturer of steam traction engines. In 1910, the Holt Manufacturing Company registered Caterpillar as a trademark. In 1925, the Holt Manufacturing Company and C. L. Best Tractor Co. merged to form the Caterpillar Tractor Co.