Gov. Pat Quinn says he believes Caterpillar decision to bypass Illinois as it looks to build a new plant and relocate some of its Japanese operations was based almost entirely on Illinois' lack of ocean access and had little to do with the state's business climate.

The heavy equipment manufacturer said this week it decided against the almost one-dozen Illinois locations including Peoria that were vying for the new facility.  The company said it was both logistical concerns and concerns about doing  business in the state. During a stop at the University of Illinois, Quinn said he spoke with Caterpillar C.E.O. Doug Oberhelman before the decision and was told the plant needed easy access to a deep-sea port.

Quinn chose to focus instead on reformed worker’s compensation laws, and the recent announced expansion of a Chrysler plant.  He says in Belvidere the C.E.O praised the Illinois business climate, and Ford had the same reaction.

“We’re happy when a business creates jobs.  Caterpillar has announced expansion plans in Decatur and East Peoria, so we’re happy about that,” Quinn said. He went on to say it’s hard to be fully satisfied when the state needs to get more people back to work.

Caterpillar has said it will pick a location for the plant and its roughly 1,400 jobs by April 1.  Cat is anticipated to choose a location closer to its North Carolina operations.