North Carolina State University will expand its supply chain management research and related activities thanks to a $2.2 million gift.

The Caterpillar Foundation and James Owens, chairman and chief executive officer of Caterpillar, made the donation.

NCSU will establish a professorship in Owens’ name in supply chain management at its College of Management.

Funds also will be used to renovate a building for the Supply Chain Resource Cooperative at the College of Management.

Caterpillar has been involved in the supply chain program at NCSU since 2004.

Owens, a Caterpillar employee since 1972, is a native of Elizabeth City, N.C. He received graduate and undergraduate degrees as well as a doctorate in economics at NCSU.