This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Komatsu is introducing the new WA170M-11 wheel loader expanding its wheel loader series in the 9-10 tonne operating weight range was shown for the first time to a wider audience at Bauma 2025.With an operating weight of around 10 tonnes the WA170M-11 is a versatile machine capable of handling a wide range of jobs from demanding tasks as a multi-role loader Product manager Michael Wadsack explains: »We are proud to add this completely new designed machine to our wheel loader product line up It has been developed in close collaboration with customers and distributors based on their needs The new WA170M-11 features a powerful 96kW Stage V diesel engine and is designed for comfort With its compact dimensions it facilitates quick and easy transport a wide range of factory-installed options allows for customisation to suit almost any application.» Easy to transport and compact dimensionsTransport quickly to the next job site without the need for a special trailer and work there in despite tight spaces transport on standard loaders with a loading height of up to 4m is possible The length of 6.5m also allows transport on trucks and use in narrow construction sites.  PowerfulEquipped with a 4-cylinder Komatsu diesel engine with 96kW lifts and pulls away almost everything that comes up on the job site The engine meets the current EU stage V emissions standard and is supplied with environmentally friendly HVO diesel fuel as standard Outstanding driving and driver comfortThe active driving behavior of the new model is also impressive the machine sits firmly and stably on the road air-suspended premium seat with an attached control console is particularly comfortable A joystick steering is available as an option The rear-view camera is fitted as standard to ensure perfect all-round visibility VersatileThe new WA170M-11 can be ordered with two different loader linkages Komatsu is now offering its "Tool Linkage" kinematics The Tool Linkage kinematics perfectly fitting for heavy attachments that are changed frequently This means that the machine can be used flexibly and with existing attachments for a wide variety of tasks The new loader can be supplemented with high-flow hydraulics Reliable and durableThe new diesel particulate filter The exhaust gas treatment is fully automatic all maintenance points are centralised and easily accessible from the ground under a hinged engine hood the cabin can also be tilted to quickly access all components All important functions are displayed as standard on the machine monitor and the free of charge Komtrax fleet management system Advertise With UsFacebookTwitter With market-leading print and digital platforms for the Recycling and Bulk Material Handling Industries we provide a comprehensive and virtually unique route to market.Our bi-monthly magazine is available in print or electronic mediums delivering the latest news on new product launches and industry projects directly to individually addressed on-site locations throughout the UK & Northern Ireland Such is the demand we enjoy a regular pass-on readership of 2.5 providing a total of in excess of 15,000 regular readers of the magazine We work closely with companies to provide on-site editorials focusing on their clients feedback All wrapped up with on-site recorded interviews delivering dynamic stories and images that enhance the stories We also attend open days & events and promote these by writing engaging editorial pieces published in our magazine Let HUB-4 distribute magazines at your open day and we'll promote your event for you in the news and events section of our website prior to the event Our bi-monthly magazine is sent directly to 6,000+ quarries with a pass-on rate of 2.5 giving an estimated readership of 15,000 throughout the UK © 2025 HUB Digital Media Ltd |Registered at Companies House Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy The Space Construction Innovation Project is one target of the Stardust Program Under the leadership of Japan’s Ministry of Land Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and Ministry of Education this project is researching and developing autonomous construction technologies with the objective of building a base for long-term stays on the moon’s surface We at Komatsu are responsible for the research and development of the lunar construction machines for the project With the goal of completing our project goals by the early 2030s we currently are pursuing extensive R&D for lunar construction machinery technologies and their testing Though completely unknown territory for Komatsu we are steadily advancing toward our destination and lunar construction machines will be indispensable for building all this Komatsu's lunar construction machines will literally be paving the roads and the way for humanity's future on the moon Over our history, Komatsu has met and overcome many challenges in unexplored fields: snowmobiles for the frozen Antarctic, bulldozers that operate underwater  (Learn more) remote-controlled construction machines for work at volcanic disaster sites From protecting pro-growth tax provisions to fighting the regulatory onslaught and an imbalanced trade environment – the NAM is working hand in hand with manufacturers to engage officials candidates and more Americans to take action on an agenda that’s going to address our most pressing issues expand opportunity for the workforce and make our country’s competitiveness more resilient than ever An all-of-the-above strategy: The commercial equipment maker whose product catalogue runs the gamut from bulldozers and log loaders to autonomous haulage systems for mines has launched multiple new innovations in recent months Expansions underway: The global manufacturing giant is also expanding it announced the construction of new facilities in Mesa All in on mining: It’s fair to say Komatsu has a special focus on mining following its acquisition of German mining equipment manufacturer GHH Group GmbH it showcased an expanded lineup of underground mining machinery at the MINExpo tradeshow in Las Vegas In the works: At the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January Komatsu exhibited some exciting in-development projects including the prototype of an electric underwater bulldozer and artwork for planned construction machinery capable of working on the moon The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) represents 14,000 member companies from across the country We are the nation’s most effective resource and influential advocate for manufacturers © 2025 National Association of Manufacturers Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Advocates for policies that benefit our member companies Delivers economic data and actionable insights for growth Presents expert knowledge and networking opportunities to help members adapt and prepare for future growth Provides participating members with proprietary market data to benchmark and plan for growth Advances initiatives to grow and retain a strong industry workforce Connect with customers to grow brand awareness and generate sales leads Lend your industry expertise and connect with your peers Exclusive opportunities for our members to elevate brand visibility with other AEM members Our industry leading events provide expert knowledge networking opportunities and prepare our members for what's coming Expert-led education and events to help you to adapt and prepare for future growth World class trade shows connecting you to customers and growing your brand awareness Learn more about North America's leading organization advancing construction and agriculture equipment manufacturers in the global marketplace and services we serve and sets the guidelines and operating policies for AEM Be part of something meaningful and build your career with AEM Highlights individuals and collectives that made history in the off-road equipment industry Supporting a more sustainable world by serving as a catalyst for conversation and innovation on behalf our industry Providing you with opportunities to share valuable insight and network with your peers From May 14-16, 2025, AEM will lead members and industry partners in highlighting the future of construction in Washington, DC. And with this year’s gathering right around the corner, AEM sat down with Michael Gidaspow, chief digital officer at member company Komatsu North America to discuss why the Celebration of Construction on the National Mall is such an important event why his organization is proud to support it why the construction industry should be celebrated AEM: The Celebration of Construction on the National Mall is a significant event for AEM why is it so important for Komatsu to support it and be a part of it again in 2025 Gidaspow: The Celebration of Construction on the National Mall is very unique event and one unlike any other that Komatsu participates in and supports We are afforded the opportunity to engage legislators in Washington and showcase our industry to the general public the Celebration of Construction on the National Mall serves as a tremendous opportunity to promote the industry and highlight all the exciting and relevant things happening in construction today We look forward to being a part of it once again this year AEM: Given the excitement surrounding the event and its popularity, it’s almost surprising to think the inaugural Celebration of Construction on the National Mall was two years ago already What did Komatsu take away from being a part of that first event in 2023 Gidaspow: There was so much to enjoy and appreciate about that first event two years ago it was such a unique experience to interact with the general public in a way that we don’t often have the opportunity to do at many of our other trade shows It’s why Komatsu worked so diligently to make our booth family-friendly and attractive to young people for the 2023 event because we recognize the value and importance of inspiring the next generation to get excited about the idea of working in our industry There’s just so much happening in construction today – futuristic technology cutting-edge innovations like autonomy and Internet of Things An event like the Celebration of Construction on the National Mall gives us a chance to share it all with the public and be able to showcase the role Komatsu plays in the story of our industry It also offers several opportunities to meet with and interact with other important stakeholders Department of Energy and show its representatives one of Komatsu’s electric product offerings We were able to engage in some great conversations and it provided us with a uniquely valuable opportunity to educate people who write the laws in this country about our needs as an industry and the important things we can accomplish together this event is very much a celebration of the construction industry and other folks whose decisions impact our industry and why do they benefit our industry so much Gidaspow: Making our presence known and having our voice heard in Washington We had some really good conversations and follow-up because of our participation in the 2023 event the real value came from being able to highlight new and cutting-edge technology It’s so important for us as an industry to be able to highlight how it can really make an impact on how we build the roads and infrastructure that we rely on in this country as well as all the ways we’re working to make this technology better AEM: So many events AEM organizes are geared toward our membership or our industry The Celebration of Construction on the National Mall is a very public event with people coming out and learning about equipment and technology firsthand why should the general public take part in this event and they don’t realize all the technology that’s behind it Our industry has been using telematics for decades We’ve had them in service in mine sites for decades There’s so much technology in our industry and that’s something we can really get the public excited about when they see it up close at an event like the Celebration of Construction on the National Mall AEM: What has you most excited for the 2025 event Gidaspow: I can’t think of a better place to host our equipment than the National Mall in Washington It’s just a beautiful backdrop for an event And what we want to showcase as Komatsu is our strong U.S We’re a net exporter: Komatsu exports over $1 billion more in goods from the U.S We really view ourselves as a global company with leadership that was born in the U.S and an organization that does so much for the community and the economy AEM: The construction industry is so important to AEM and our members who support it Why do you feel like construction and its equipment should be celebrated at an event like this one Gidaspow: Our equipment builds the infrastructure that we utilize every day And if we look at the technology side of things we keep trying to have more advancements and link our digital solutions better to make it as easy as possible for our customers to have information at their fingertips and receive information in an actionable format That deserves to be recognized and celebrated and Komatsu looks forward to doing just that at the 2025 Celebration of Construction on the National Mall For more AEM news and updates, subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor hosted a dinner for the AEM Board of Directors.Ambassador Kirsten Hillman Work zone safety is a critical element of every federal highway project serving as both a moral obligation and a legal requirement These construction and maintenance zones.. Insights on product liability and safety design standards Timely information on regulatory requirements and risks to avoid Establishing consensus areas of focus to guide AEM’s near-term efforts and activities related to sustainability drove discussions between representatives of AEM’s Sustainability.. AEM is pleased to offer its members insights on industry standards surrounding autonomy through its upcoming Member Education Webinar: Standards Development – Autonomy.Register.. Join thousands of your industry peers who subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor to get insights and updates about equipment manufacturing This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply © 2025 Association of Equipment Manufacturers Privacy Notice a Field Service Technician and Komatsu Australia’s 2024 Apprentice of the Year recently had an opportunity only a select handful of Komatsu personnel get during the year: they got to shadow the Atlassian Williams Racing pit crew and learn about how this job works in the high speed Cao came away surprised by the “unspoken understanding” between team members “of what they should be doing and what is their goal It’s kind of a mutual understanding between them but everyone’s just doing their job.” https://www.keyou.de/ (hereafter “Komatsu”) (President and CEO: Takuya Imayoshi) launched its new three-year medium-term management plan Strategic Growth Plan (FY2025 - FY2027) with the title “Driving value with ambition”   Joacim Henningsson and a colleague take a break from operating a Komatsu 895 forwarder  Over a career that has included technical support Joacim Henningsson has worked in the forest and in the office he’s test-driving a Komatsu S92 harvester head  Bridgestone Corporation (hereafter “Bridgestone”) (Member of the Board and Representative Executive Officer: Shuichi Ishibashi) and Komatsu Ltd (hereafter “Komatsu”) (President and CEO: Hiroyuki Ogawa) have launched a proof of concept (PoC) for a collaborative initiative aimed at providing new solution services to mining customers The new program works through the real-time exchange and analysis of tire data from Bridgestone's advanced tire monitoring system for mining vehicles "Bridgestone iTrack," *1 and vehicle data from Komatsu's large mining equipment monitoring system we aim to improve fuel efficiency and extend tire life of mining trucks Both companies plan to start offering services that could not be achieved individually  This PoC is being carried out using Komatsu’s mining trucks at a site operated by a mutual customer of Bridgestone and Komatsu. Bridgestone collects data such as tire temperature and speed through "Bridgestone iTrack" and analyzes this information This not only allows them to monitor the tire’s operating environment but also helps in offering mining customers solutions that contribute to the optimization of operations through "Komtrax Plus," monitors the health and operational status of the mining trucks enabling early detection of anomalies and improving productivity to support customers By combining the expertise of both Bridgestone and Komatsu we aim to provide mining customers with higher value-added services and innovative solutions.  In mining operations one of the critical onsite problems for customers is operational downtime and unplanned stoppages both of which can be triggered by unexpected external tire damages resulting failure to reach their expected tire life Bridgestone and Komatsu strive to quickly identify the causes of failures and implement appropriate emergency measures and preventive strategies to extend tire life several key factors that significantly impact fuel efficiency will be analyzed including: 1) unique features of the haul road (such as slope and surface conditions) 2) vehicle usage patterns (such as driving routes and 3) tire specifications (pattern and material ) . Bridgestone and Komatsu are committed to enhancing safety and productivity for customers in the mining sector contributing to the improvement of Total Cost of Ownership（TCO）*3 while also aiming to reduce CO2 emissions through decreased fuel consumption and enhancing tire productivity and longevity Both companies will continue to accelerate our co-creation initiatives to generate new value today announced its consolidated business results for nine months of the fiscal year ending March 31 chief executive officer Takuya Imayoshi may raise prices in the US in response to tariffs with the company projecting a 27% drop in operating profit this fiscal year because of the levies and the stronger yen The construction and mining equipment business is expected to suffer an annual negative impact of 140 billion yen ($976 million) from increased costs linked to US tariffs The impact for the fiscal ending in March 2026 will be a negative 78 billion yen when factoring in its inventory The North American market accounted for 25% of overall revenue last fiscal year The company has five months’ worth of inventory at the moment Komatsu makes about half of its products for the US in Japan and China The impact of retaliatory tariffs by China is factored into the forecast “Resilient demand for mining equipment can support earnings while price hikes and US support for coal could add to factors that offset tariff impact,” Bloomberg Intelligence said The world’s second-largest supplier of construction and mining equipment behind Caterpillar Inc said fourth-quarter operating profit rose 24% The company announced a share buyback of as much as 100 billion yen and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Gruyere gold mine joint venture partners Gold Fields and Gold Road Resources reach agreement on a friendly deal to consolidate ownership. The initiative will be delivered through the regional joint venture established by Fleet Space Technologies and Tahreez. The US central bank is widely expected to hold rates steady in this meeting. Romania has major reserves of rare earths, gold and copper, which have attracted interest from Canadian and American firms. Development of Komatsu's lunar construction equipment began in 2021 The goal is to realize mankind's dream of going to space and building a base on the moon for long-duration stays it is not an easy task to develop lunar construction equipment that can work in the harsh lunar environment as it does on Earth *From left to right: Horie is responsible for the hardware Horie “I am responsible for the hardware I am trying to identify the problems that need to be solved in order to make construction equipment work on the moon and I am exploring ways to address them Construction equipment is a machine with a heavy steel body that moves using the powerful force of hydraulic pressure assuming that the construction equipment will be taken to the moon it is very challenging because the ratio of lightweight materials such as aluminum and plastic must be increased in terms of the transportation costs associated with the mass Editor’s note: This story has been updated will step down from his roles as chairman and CEO on March 31 Komatsu North American sales and services functions for construction and mining have been consolidated into a new company to be established as a subsidiary of Komatsu America which operates as a wholly owned subsidiary Komatsu Mining is a wholly owned subsidiary of Komatsu America said its board of directors had agreed on the reorganization on February 18 Komatsu America will supervise all operations in the North America region once the reorganization is complete.  Sutton has served as the editorial lead of Construction Equipment magazine and ConstructionEquipment.com since 2001.  Our mission is to help managers of heavy equipment and trucks to improve their performance in acquiring and managing their fleets. One way we do that is with our Executive Institute where experts share information and ideas that will enable equipment managers to accurately manage equipment costs so that they can deliver the optimum financial benefits to their organizations We also have a laser focus on product development, performance, and technology; as well as equipment acquisition, disposal, and maintenance. Our exclusive Field Tests take earthmoving equipment and truck into the field for professional evaluations Check out our free newsletters to see the latest content You can find Sutton on LinkedIn The new visual identity changes the livery and technical identification of the machines while keeping the same quality engineering under the hood Komatsu machines are getting a small but significant visual identity (VI) overhaul The changes — our first in more than 20 years — represent Komatsu’s commitment to our employees our customers and the planet as we strive to keep ourselves future-forward It's more than just a cosmetic update; it's a tangible expression of Komatsu's human-centered design philosophy  Komatsu unveils a fresh look after more than years unity and our commitment to a sustainable future Komatsu has had an iconic three stripe livery since 2001 Those were the cornerstone industries of Komatsu and represented our continued commitment to those areas of focus Komatsu has created a strong presence in other industries The renewed stripes will move from three horizontal stripes to three diagonal The design evokes a sense of movement and momentum toward the future while alluding to our brand promise of creating value together our customers and Komatsu’s employees moving forward in harmony and a commitment to collaborative progress There will also be changes to other areas of our livery including a more unified look and feel for technical identification decals from the overall aesthetic to the smallest functional element underscores the commitment to thoughtful design Komatsu is not losing the three stripes that have buoyed our legacy Komatsu machines are engineered for a long service life coupled with our focus on repairability and innovation enhancing resale potential and contributing to a more sustainable future by extending machine lifecycles and minimizing environmental impact Komatsu’s VI has undergone several overhauls over the years an early predecessor to the current livery a more uniform coloring was introduced as the VI with the Komatsu yellow hue used at the time and dark blue with the jump up the rear The machine name also became an essential visual element of the machine incorporating the three blue stripes seen today The 2001 VI improved the cohesion and appeal of our brand The globally aligned visual standard reinforced customer recognition of our products’ quality and reliability While it will initially appear on new machines the livery changes will be seen fleet-wide The design philosophy also involves the Komatsu name as a visual signifier The exterior of the machine is part of the brand experience Designers and technical engineers work together to make a Komatsu design both attractive and functional This visual point of contact requires that Komatsu machines look modern A dated design can make a product or brand appear outdated and less appealing to modern consumers who are drawn to contemporary aesthetics and innovation for a new wave of innovation that was just as transformative when he and his team first saw excavators with intelligent machine control It was both exciting and a little intimidating “There was a significant amount of concern that we were moving from the traditional skills of hydraulics and mechatronics into areas where we had no experience – global navigation systems “Living in Japan and working at Komatsu taught me very quickly the power of working together Everything a person does contributes to the success of the whole and the part everyone plays is equally important.”  and Rod Bull becomes CEO of Komatsu North America Corp Since joining Komatsu in 1987 as a product manager, Schrader has held various roles within the company covering marketing, sales and management. In 2015, he was appointed senior executive officer of Komatsu Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo. He has served as chairman and CEO of Komatsu America Corp. since 2012, where he oversees the company’s large manufacturing footprint as well as product distribution for construction, forestry, mining and utility equipment, technology and services. Bull has been with Komatsu since 2011 and has held numerous senior leadership roles, including general manager of the Western U.S. region, vice president and general manager of Loader Parts and vice president and general manager of the North America Mining Division. Prior to joining Komatsu, he had 10 years of experience within the industry in various commercial roles. Komatsu has announced plans for Hiroyuki Ogawa, president and representative director, CEO of Komatsu Ltd. to transition from his current role this fiscal year. Following this transition, he will assume the role of director, chairman of Komatsu Ltd., succeeding Tetsuji Ohashi. Takuya Imayoshi, currently serving as director, senior executive officer, and supervising business coordination, will step into the role of president and representative director, CEO of Komatsu Ltd. upon Ogawa’s transition. Smart technology began arriving on the scene around 2012 offering powerful new tools to meet the pace of new challenges such as workforce shortfalls and climate change Henningsson travelled the globe to introduce the new technology to users.  “In the beginning there was some resistance Customers didn’t really know what they could use it for.” From New York to Hollywood and everywhere in between Alexandra Schonfeld is a features writer at PEOPLE She has been working at PEOPLE since April 2022 Julian Dakdouk via PictureGroup/Shutterstock Maya Dehlin Spach/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Tyler Schmitt // The Mill Photography Studio Marion Curtis/Starpix for Apple TV+/Shutterstock  Students at Montana Technological University’s Underground Mine Education Center (UMEC) will continue to have important hands-on experiences that help them land careers in the mining industry thanks to a recent generous donation by Komatsu Mining Corp donated the labor to install a new engine for the UMEC’s MTI/Komatsu LT-270 mucker provided the engine at a competitive price The mucker was originally donated to Montana Tech in 2016 by Stillwater Mining Company It allows students to scoop 1.5 cubic yards of blasted rock from the UMEC so the next set of ground support can be installed and the next round for blasting can occur interdisciplinary educational space consisting of the former Orphan Boy and Orphan Girl Mines located immediately west of campus It is home to courses for Mining Engineering The need for the mucker’s repair was apparent when Mining Engineering Department Head Dr Scott Rosenthal gave a tour of the UMEC to Katie Zindler a human resources and accounting representative from Komatsu Billings “The donation of labor to replace the engine is a huge outlay in working time and travel for the Komatsu service technicians Baili Thompson and Zachary Smith,” Rosenthal said “Montana Technological University is greatly appreciative of the support provided by Komatsu and Cummins in getting our machine running again.” Rosenthal said the repair is a critical piece of providing the best experience possible for students who rely on the hands-on training at Montana Tech “We’ve put a lot of effort into upgrading the equipment and facilities at the UMEC to show students how it should be done correctly,” Rosenthal said “This process started with the Joy mucker eight years ago followed by obtaining a roof bolter and the new Epiroc mucker last year. Keeping the Joy mucker in good operating shape with this replacement motor continues our efforts to maintain the integrity of our equipment. This is what I learned in industry managing mines and maintenance functions so it should not be any different for us at Montana Tech.” The chairman and CEO of Komatsu North America has announced his retirement with his replacement set to take office this week Rod Schrader will step down from his roles on March 31 with a full retirement from the company set for June 30 Schrader has been leader of Komatsu's continental operations since 2012 Komatsu North America's executive vice president Bull is a veteran of 14 years with Komatsu having previously served as general manager of its mining and loader parts divisions along with the entire western United States region More: Bradley moving forward with plans for site of closed Avanti's. Here's what we know A news release from the company praised Schrader for revitalizing and expanding their mining dump truck business developing new technologies for construction and quarries and for integrating Joy Global into Komatsu after they purchased them in 2017 Schrader said that he had full confidence in Bull to lead the company into the future "I am proud of all that we have accomplished and I have full confidence that Rod will continue to propel the company forward with a clear vision and strategic leadership," Schrader said Bull said that he was honored to be the company's next CEO praising the company's innovative legacy in the heavy machinery field "Komatsu has a strong legacy of innovation and excellence and I am honored to step into the role of CEO," Bull said "I look forward to working with our employees dealers and other partners to build on our success and continue driving growth in the years ahead." A model of the truck is displayed at the entrance to the Peoria facility Schrader oversaw the groundbreaking of a new $30 million office building for the Peoria facility set to open early in Bull's tenure at the end of 2025 The Schrader/Bull transition isn't the only shake-up in higher management at Komatsu is transitioning into a new role as chairman of the company's board of directors That move will have a domino effect across the company with Takuya Imayoshi replacing him as the company's CEO Ogawa said in a press release that Schrader's 38 years of service to the company earned him a "well-deserved" retirement with Bull being the best person to lead their North American operations into the future "I want to thank Rod Schrader for his outstanding leadership and commitment to Komatsu over the past 38 years," Ogawa said and we congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement We are confident that Rod Bull is the right person to guide the company into its next chapter and are looking forward to his leadership." More: New medical supply company picks Pekin for first U.S. production facility ARIZONA BUSINESS BY JORGE RAMOS/PHOENIX BUSINESS JOURNAL Komatsu took a step toward expanding its Mesa footprint Wednesday when it broke ground on a 215,000-square-foot sales and service facility is investing $80 million into the facility and anticipates completing it by July 2026 The project sits adjacent to one end of the expanding Mesa Gateway Airport’s runway the Business Journal first reported Komatsu’s plans to expand and build its second facility on the 230-acre Mesa Ellsworth Business Park Plans call for the new facility to be built on 25 acres near the southwest corner of Pecos and Crismon roads Komatsu is working with Phoenix-based Cawley Architects to design the facility The project’s main weld and service building will take up 91,000 square feet while a shop and warehouse will occupy about 100,000 square feet The remaining space will be dedicated to an administration and employee building This story is posted in partnership with Phoenix Business Journal. Click to read the full story. Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here Long after civil war in Cambodia concluded millions of unexploded landmines left buried throughout the country’s western countryside have made life difficult for residents of this peaceful land With the risk of severe injuries and death under the surface of affected land Cambodians have struggled to set up functioning communities (President and CEO: Hiroyuki Ogawa) (hereinafter "Komatsu") has been highly evaluated by CDP* the non-profit global environmental disclosure platform for its efforts in addressing climate change and water security as well as for its disclosure of related information Komatsu has been recognized as the “A List” receiving the highest rating for climate change and water security This marks the ninth consecutive year that Komatsu has received the highest rating for climate change and the fifth consecutive year for water security *CDP: CDP is a global non-profit that runs the world’s only independent environmental disclosure system for companies states and regions to manage their environmental impacts Komatsu America Corp. is transitioning at the CEO level, with chairman and CEO Rod Schrader stepping down March 31 and Rod Bull taking over as CEO on April 1 “It has been an incredible honor to lead Komatsu America and its talented team across the U.S “I am proud of all that we have accomplished and I have full confidence that Rod will continue to propel the company forward with a clear vision and strategic leadership.” who currently serves as executive vice president of Komatsu’s North America region has nearly 25 years of leadership experience in the heavy equipment manufacturing industry – including 14 years with Komatsu “Komatsu has a strong legacy of innovation and excellence and I am honored to step into the role of CEO,” Bull says “I look forward to working with our employees dealers and other partners to build on our success and continue driving growth in the years ahead.” has held several senior leadership roles at the company including general manager of the Western U.S vice president and general manager of loader parts and vice president and general manager of the North America mining division joined Komatsu in 1987 as a product manager he was appointed senior executive officer of Komatsu He has served as chairman and CEO of Komatsu America Corp overseeing the company’s large manufacturing footprint as well as product distribution for construction “I want to thank Rod Schrader for his outstanding leadership and commitment to Komatsu over the past 38 years,” says Hiroyuki Ogawa We are confident that Rod Bull is the right person to guide the company into its next chapter and are looking forward to his leadership.” Related: Komatsu debuts pair of wheel loaders Creed to succeed Umpleby as Caterpillar CEO Pit & Quarry is the leading aggregates industry magazine and the equipment and technology media source for the crushed stone Forests perform heroic work for the planet and support plant and animal species essential to healthy ecosystems They are considered a critical factor in controlling climate change The timber they produce supports the needs of society through fuel Balancing the demands of both is critical and getting harder all the time disease and encroaching population growth are threatening forests across the globe and the needs they meet Komatsu’s pursuit of sustainable forestry methods is taking on a new sense of urgency as stakeholders look for ways to harvest judiciously replant effectively and minimize the impact of human activity on this precious natural resource Forestry has always meant being productive accurate and efficient in tough conditions it also means confronting existential threats Simon Wuetz provides fleet support for Komatsu Forest equipping forest owners and managers with machines to harvest and transport timber It’s a job that requires him to understand their challenges and supply technology and equipment to meet them controlling a tiny beetle has been one of those challenges In his 15-plus years working with customers throughout Europe Wuetz has watched the devastating effects of the spruce bark beetle which infects trees weakened by drought and heat unusually hot and dry summers have made vast expanses of forests vulnerable to the pest A 2023 government survey found that 79% of all trees in Germany are sick There is no way to stop the beetle once it has infested a tree so the only strategies are to limit its spread and diversify forests with trees that are more heat- and pest-resistant Scientists and conservationists have identified multiple ways to accomplish both But thinning — the quick removal of infested or weakened trees — is a critical plan of attack Foresters are removing and transporting dead or dying trees at a volume unheard of before the beetle the volume of logging in Germany was typically 50 million cubic meters per year but it has increased tremendously because of this horrible beast,” said Wuetz Thinning is an important strategy worldwide as beetle species and other pests wreak havoc on forests around the globe the Mountain Pine Beetle has infested over 18 million hectares (about 69,500 square miles) of pine forests in the western United States and Canada and the Cypress Aphid has affected around 100,000 hectares (about 386 square miles) of cypress trees in Ethiopia Thinning infested trees involves more than meets the eye it’s critical to pinpoint their locations in an area that can cover thousands of hectares remove them quickly and transport them to a secure place all while working in remote areas and minimizing damage to healthy trees It’s a challenge Komatsu Forest was ready for In addition to harvesters and forwarders designed to be compact move efficiently and reduce their impact on the environment Komatsu has designed technology to help foresters manage the complexities of the bark beetle battle but we also make the machines smart,” said Wuetz A suite of applications and on-machine technology equips forest managers to accurately map a targeted area design efficient routes to take and analyze progress continuously these solutions supply managers and operators with tools to make smart decisions such as taking the shortest route to a targeted area of timber using digital fences to secure off-limits areas or tracking the activity of a machine This means an operator in the cab of a harvester can visualize on a screen down to a few centimeters’ margin of error An alarm can sound if they are getting too near a healthy tree or deviating from their travel route Functions like these are propelling more sustainable approaches to forest management that begin with tree planting and forestation and continue through the life cycle of a harvested tree all while maintaining a healthy forest ecosystem Thinning and selective cutting not only keep disease from spreading minimize harm to natural habitats and aid water management trees are harvested with methods that protect the porous forest floor and reduce disturbance to younger trees and diverse plant and animal life the forestry industry is discovering the value of technology to meet these goals while keeping up with demand Data collected from satellites and drones can be analyzed to help pinpoint ideal driving routes track forest volume and map optimum planting schemes sensors can tell an operator whether they’re about to remove the right tree or go off course As one of the world’s largest forest machine makers Komatsu understands its role in preserving a resource that is critical to both society and the environment Wuetz and his colleagues work closely with forestry customers to balance sustainability and productivity “We take a multifaceted approach to this important challenge with machines and technologies that help minimize disturbance and help maximize both production and safety,” Wuetz said “Responsible forestry practices that can meet the needs of society require the best possible equipment and solutions “We wanted to differentiate Komatsu from the competitors and the generic communication that has characterized the heavy equipment industry for a long time With ‘Gentle giants,’ we describe who Komatsu are through a concept that opens up for several exciting creative and engaging stories about their machines and engineers,” says Petter Lublin Creative Director at Prime Weber Shandwick Komatsu is well known as a global manufacturer of construction machinery but we have also long engaged in the forestry business on a global scale Through our involvement in every stage of forestry from replanting and cultivation to harvesting and our efforts to ensure these steps are connected in a perpetually regenerative cycle our aim is to protect the vital resource of forests and contribute to the realization of a sustainable global environment Responding to the diverse challenges of the forestry industry Komatsu forest business sets itself apart by seeking and providing both “mono” (the tangible) like our innovative machines and “koto” (the intangible) which includes services like our DX solutions we not only introduce forestry machines that can be operated more comfortably and safely with improved productivity and low environmental impact but also offer solutions driven by DX (Digital Transformation) to improve safety and productivity through and realize sustainable forestry.  Exhibited at the "SWEDISH FORESTRY EXPO 2023" in Sweden "Centipede" is a forwarder concept machine developed in a large-scale joint project by Komatsu Forest AB and eight Swedish forestry companies to learn more about the development process Like the centipede which moves quickly with little impact on the ground our Centipede concept was named for its resemblance to the appearance and movement of this agile creature.” Why is it important to reduce soil compaction?Q2 Why is it important to reduce soil compaction What was the most difficult part of the development?Q3 What was the most difficult part of the development we have had to overcome a series of challenges We wanted to create a completely new concept – a machine that had never been seen before After 10 years of repeated simulations and revisions to the concept Particularly revolutionary is the tracked transport system using rubber track shoes and a low ground pressure design mitigating potential damage to tree roots.  We believe that it will pave the way for the future of forestry machines.” How did the project benefit from collaboration with eight forestry companies?Q4 How did the project benefit from collaboration with eight forestry companies we were able to fully grasp the needs and issues facing forestry companies the decline in forestry machine operators and changes in soil conditions due to climate change their collaboration enabled testing the completed concept machine in actual forestry operations multiple companies were truly united in sense of purpose and aspirations Still today Komatsu and those forestry companies remain closely connected I think this development project truly embodies Komatsu's brand promise of Creating value together.” Tell us how you felt when the concept machine was completed?Q5 Tell us how you felt when the concept machine was completed “This machine was finally completed after the long years and repeated trial and error by not only our core project team but also people from various departments and positions in Komatsu Though it is hard put my feelings into words I can say how wonderful it was for me to participate in this project I believe everyone felt great joy and pride when they saw the concept machine in operation at the post-completion.” What are your dreams for the development of future forestry machine?Q6 What are your dreams for the development of future forestry machine “Komatsu is currently running a global brand campaign The campaign message is about the high value of our products for customers who place importance on the well-being of the environment and people everywhere I would like to create forestry machines that embody this message we will maximize productivity and minimize the burden on the environment My dream is to continue developing sustainable intelligent machines together with forestry companies “Komatsu is not only developing machines but also focusing on the development of DX solutions One is our Smart Forestry system currently being rolled out mainly in Europe Data are sent from forestry machines equipped with a modem to a server via 4G or satellite lines These data enable remote monitoring of operating time production volume and other operational information of the machines operational status and location information are shared between multiple machines Spanning the entire process from tree felling to transportation using the optimal route this solution reduces the burden on forests and effectively improves productivity.” Komatsu is promoting smart forestry through our development of safe forestry machines that have a reduced impact on the forest environment and realize improve work efficiencies through DX solutions By providing machines and solutions to promote a vital cycle of forestry linking reforestation Komatsu contributes to the continued health of forests and ultimately our aim realizing a decarbonized society The mono and koto of Komatsu's forestry business are moving forward toward a sustainable future for the earth Simon Wuetz was fascinated by anything that had an engine and wheels especially if it was big and sounded powerful But it wasn’t enough to watch excavators and it kept getting more and more interesting to me.” and he’s still fascinated by the unending potential of machine engineering and technology Wuetz started out as a car mechanic before deciding that combining technical knowledge with forestry could open opportunities in a field that stretches across the globe and is critically important to society He joined Komatsu Forest in 2008 after earning his degree in forestry engineering filling several roles before landing in his current job in fleet support Wuetz helps forest managers throughout central Europe get the most out of the equipment and technology available to them He trains operators to drive Komatsu-built forwarders and harvesters helps staff use Komatsu-designed technology solutions and provides job sites with remote support and troubleshooting Along with a team of engineers and technicians Wuetz also works on product improvements and technological refinements that help foresters face challenges like the bark beetle and that means we have quite a big focus on the customer it’s also my job to listen to the customer.” The solutions he and his colleagues pursue keep getting better as they push the possibilities of technology forward Wuetz has seen remote support sessions evolve into remote data collection then interactivity through IOT and further advancements like the ones they’re using to pinpoint and cull diseased trees “It’s no longer just about machines of steel It’s more and more about intelligent machines.” He describes his job as a rewarding variety of people places and challenges as he travels throughout central Europe to interact with different stakeholders and observe different forestry practices “It’s a chance to be with the customer in the forest then return to the office to work on strategies to help them.” The work is always interesting because it is never done “We have to think at least one step beyond how it works today and anticipate how it will work tomorrow.” The headline isn’t a misprint. Komatsu a century-old global manufacturer of heavy equipment has unveiled an autonomous electric underwater bulldozer The company showed off a fully-functional prototype at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show The futuristic bulldozer has a battery capacity of 450 kWh and a four-hour charging time The battery’s capacity can be increased to 500 kWh which would give the underwater EV a running time of up to six hours The prototype has a diving limitation of 23 feet (7 m) because of GPS limitations; however Komatsu said it will soon increase the operational depth to 164 feet (50 m) The new electric bulldozer is far from being Komatsu’s first underwater bulldozer—it introduced a conventionally-powered version back in 1970 “Developing a bulldozer that was used on land and using it underwater was an extraordinary challenge,” said Shuu Komatsu Team Manager of the Komatsu Hydraulic Excavator-Bulldozer Development Group “I think it is amazing that our predecessors at Komatsu developed this more than 50 years ago I don’t think there is any other construction equipment like it.” The new electric underwater bulldozer is suitable for everyday construction tasks such as coastal projects to mitigate storm surge damage It can also be deployed to maintain rivers and coastlines including for use in river dredging to enable harbor navigation and minimize flooding as well as in ecosystem restoration efforts The bulldozer can be operated remotely without requiring significant operator training ensuring that operators do not have to hold their breath while 164 feet below the surface Source: Komatsu The free webinar sessions from our Spring 2025 Virtual Conference are now available to view on-demand Register for a session below to watch the recording and download the presentation Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register Register LOAD MORE SESSIONS