Caterpillar Inc. says it's laying off nearly 170 workers at its Lafayette Large Engine Center in response to a drop in demand.

The Peoria, Ill.-based company announced Thursday that the cuts set to begin in September at the north-central Indiana plant are a reflection of a work force that fluctuates with demand.

Caterpillar's announcement comes on the heels of record second-quarter results and labor turmoil at a Joliet, Ill., plant where about 700 union members have been on strike since May 1.

Caterpillar spokeswoman Rachel Potts tells the Journal & Courier that the job-cut decision in Lafayette is not related to the Illinois labor dispute.