Posted November 2006
KOMATSU AMERICA CORP. CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHATTANOOGA MANUFACTURING OPERATION
Rolling Meadows, IL, November 7, 2006 — Today Komatsu America Corp., a leading manufacturer and supplier of construction, mining and compact construction equipment, celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation. More than 100 special guests were on hand to commemorate the achievements and reflect on the history of Komatsu’s first U.S. manufacturing plant.
Komatsu’s Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation currently boasts more than 300 employees, and manufactures hydraulic excavators and articulated dump trucks for North American market. To date, the plant has brought numerous jobs and support to the area which has contributed to the local economy.
"This anniversary underscores Komatsu’s commitment to North American market," said Dave Grzelak, Chairman and CEO of Komatsu America Corp. "Over the past twenty years, we have enjoyed a reputation built on an experienced work force, a strong allegiance to our supplier base and to the Chattanooga community and a commitment to the area’s economic growth. As we continue to expand Komatsu’s presence throughout the United States, we remain loyal to these initial principles upon which the company was founded."
The anniversary celebration included remarks from Komatsu executives Masahiro Sakane, President and CEO, Komatsu Ltd. in Japan; Grzelak; and Dennis Riddell, General Manager of the Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation. Commissioner Matthew Kisber, Economic & Community Development for State of Tennessee; Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield; and Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey also spoke. The cornerstone of the celebration was the planting of a ceremonial cherry tree on the facility property. As the national tree of Japan, a cherry tree was planted at the site twenty years ago when the site broke ground.
During its twenty years of existence, the Chattanooga plant has manufactured thousands of Komatsu machines. In April 2007, the Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation will reach a milestone of producing its 34,000th machine. Today the plant’s main focus is on mid-size hydraulic excavators and articulated dump trucks. The expansive operation covers 488,000 square feet and sits on 53 acres of property.
In addition to its Chattanooga plant, Komatsu operates four other plants in the U.S. and Canada: Newberry, South Carolina; Candiac, Quebec; Peoria, Illinois; and Lexington, Kentucky.
About Komatsu America Corp.
Komatsu America Corp. is a U.S. subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd. which is the world’s second largest manufacturer and supplier of construction, mining and compact construction equipment. Through its distributor network, Komatsu offers a state-of-the-art parts and service program to support the equipment. With four U.S. factory locations, one in Canada, one in Brazil and one in Mexico, Komatsu America has been serving the Americas’ market for more than 35 years. Komatsu America Corp. is a subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd. which has shares listed on the Tokyo and Osaka Stock Exchanges in Japan (6301) and ADRs traded on the OTC market (KMTUY). Komatsu Ltd. has proudly been providing high-quality reliable products for nearly a century. To learn more, visit the company website at www.komatsuamerica.com .
