Caterpillar CEO Says Worker Shortage Adds to Supply-Chain Snags

Caterpillar Inc. is having a tough time getting the materials it needs from suppliers facing a labor crunch, adding another hurdle for the machinery maker that’s already said a global chip shortfall may keep it from fully meeting demand this year.

Chief Executive Officer Jim Umpleby said its had some isolated labor shortages in its factories, but nothing significant for Caterpillar internally. The bigger issue is that many of its suppliers face a lack of workers, adding to already increasing lag times for delivery.

“It’s been more of an issue for a number of our suppliers who’ve had more trouble ...