Komatsu America’s Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation Celebrates 30 Years in the Community

Facility was Chattanooga's first Japanese manufacturing plant and Komatsu’s first plant on U.S. soil

Komatsu 30th Anniversary logo 57f3cb84bae28
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To celebrate 30 years of manufacturing excellence and community partnership, Komatsu America’s Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation hosted a celebration program on Friday, September 23. Past and current executives of the company, as well as elected officials and dignitaries were on hand. Officials attending the ceremony included Tennessee District 11 Senator Bo Watson, Tennessee District 27 Representative Patsy Hazlewood, and Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger.

When the Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation opened in February 1985, it was Chattanooga's first Japanese manufacturing plant and Komatsu’s first plant on U.S. soil. Today, the plant employs over 370 people, and produces medium size hydraulic excavators and forestry equipment. The facility is also the home of one of Komatsu’s global Technical Centers that focuses on state-of-the-art product design and development for bulldozers and forestry products.

“The Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation remains a role model for Komatsu overseas plants,” said Bruce Nelson, General Manager, Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation, Komatsu America. “Over the years, we have tested and implemented a number of ideas and technologies that were later adopted worldwide and we’ve distinguished ourselves for production excellence and our 'Komatsu Way' approach to workplace procedures and worker well-being.”

“The success of our plant would not have been possible without our terrific employees and the Chattanooga community,” Nelson added. “Several of our original hires are celebrating their 30th anniversaries with the company, and we are proud of how active Komatsu has become as a corporate citizen in Chattanooga. We plan to maintain that important connection going forward.”

The plant has actively participated in and supported a variety of community endeavors, including exhibit sponsorship at the world-acclaimed Tennessee Aquarium, long-term support of local United Way activities, and partnership with the Orange Grove Center in Chattanooga.

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