Barberton: A tiny orange kitten found trapped inside a heavy excavator in Ohio has gone from a frightened rescue to becoming the newest member of a construction crew.

Workers at River Reach Construction in Barberton, around 80 kilometres south of Cleveland, discovered the kitten last month after hearing cries coming from inside a Komatsu excavator.

Workers stop to rescue the tiny kitten

The construction team quickly began looking for a way to free the trapped animal.

Operating supervisor Chase Guello helped remove the excavator’s bottom skid plate after part of the machinery became jammed. The frightened kitten eventually fell out as the metal section was opened.

The dramatic rescue was captured on video and soon attracted millions of views online. The footage reportedly received around 5.8 million views, drawing thousands of comments from animal lovers.

From rescue kitten to shop cat

The workers named the kitten Sue, after the machine where she was found.

After they could not find her mother, Sue was taken to a pet rescue centre. She later spent several weeks in foster care until she was strong enough to return to the people who had rescued her.

The little kitten eventually became an official “shop cat” at River Reach Construction.

Sue gets her own construction gear

The company recently shared photographs of Sue wearing a tiny high-visibility jacket and construction hat provided by Komatsu.

Her new life has also included plenty of playtime. The construction company has shared pictures and videos of Sue enjoying toys and settling into her new surroundings.

When she is not at the workplace, Sue stays with Jared, the company’s shop mechanic, who lives on a farm and has experience caring for animals.

A little kitten wins many hearts

Guello said Sue was happy and enjoying a friendly environment, including time with Jared’s children.

What began as a desperate cry from inside a massive piece of construction equipment has now turned into a heartwarming rescue story.

For the River Reach team, Sue is no longer just the kitten they rescued. She has become a much-loved part of their crew.