CHICAGO – Caterpillar’s CEO has again criticized Illinois’ political leaders and what he calls the state’s uncompetitive business environment, while affirming that the heavy equipment maker will keep its headquarters – and thousands of jobs – in Peoria.

Last year, Chief Executive Doug Oberhelman pressed Gov. Pat Quinn to improve the state’s economy and noted that the company had out-of-state suitors. Though he said later he was not threatening to leave Illinois, the remarks set off alarms.

“We are staying in Peoria,” Oberhelman told the Economic Club of Chicago on Thursday.