By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

Peoria-based Caterpillar is laying off as many as ten thousand employees worldwide through the end of 2018 as it works to cut costs.

While the company is facing tough economic conditions right now, there are still many questions on the horizon, including the possible restructuring actions that could impact more than 20 facilities.

Cat had already made announcements this year of layoffs in East Peoria and Joliet, and these new layoffs are now permanent.

The company still intends on building a new worldwide headquarters in Peoria, but that project has been shelved, for now.