Komatsu America's Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation Will Celebrate 30 Years in the Community

Wed September 21, 2016
Forestry Equipment Guide

To celebrate 30 years of manufacturing excellence and community partnership, Komatsu America's Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation will host a celebration program on Friday, September 23, at 9:30 AM. Past and current executives of the company, as well as elected officials and dignitaries will be on hand. Officials scheduled to attend the ceremony include Tennessee District 11 Senator Bo Watson, Tennessee District 27 Representative Patsy Hazlewood, and Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger.

As part of the weeklong 30th anniversary celebration, the plant at 409 Signal Mountain Road will also offer public facility tours September 26-29. These 45-minute tours start at 1:00 PM, 1:15 PM and 1:30 PM each day. All guests must wear closed-toe shoes, and no children under 11 are permitted. Tours can be reserved by visiting www.bookeo.com/komatsutours. Space may be limited.

“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,” Nelson said.

“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,” Nelson said.

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 success of the Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation is based upon two guiding principles: 1) the manufacture of competitive high quality products that 2) deliver maximum customer satisfaction and community involvement in Chattanooga. The plant is committed to its employees and 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.