Komatsu to open new headquarters in Milwaukee
Published by Claire Cuddihy,
Assistant Editor
Global Mining Review,
Today, just prior to the company’s 135th anniversary in the Milwaukee area, leading supplier of mining equipment Komatsu Ltd (Komatsu) announced its plans to build a new, state-of-the-art headquarters and manufacturing campus of Komatsu Mining Corp. near the location of the company’s original machine shop off South First Street.
Komatsu’s 2.5 million ft2 South Harbor Campus is planned for Milwaukee’s Harbor District, off Greenfield Avenue. Partnering with the State of Wisconsin and City of Milwaukee, Komatsu plans to invest nearly US$300 million in the company’s future at the site, reinforcing its commitment to Milwaukee as a large machining, heavy fabrication and engineering centre of excellence for P&H mining shovels and drills.
President and CEO of Milwaukee-based Komatsu Mining Corp., Jeff Dawes, said: “The new campus provides us opportunity for advancement in state-of-the-art facilities that expand our capabilities on a global scale.”
“Our new facilities will be designed to enhance safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability – all top priorities of Komatsu worldwide, allowing us to better serve our customers and deliver innovative solutions.”
The company’s plans for the South Harbor Campus include the design and construction of a new office, manufacturing and training facilities, to include:
- Advanced machine, heat treatment and fabrication shops.
- State-of-the-art technology, R&D and robotics labs.
- Purpose-built office complex and Data Solutions Center.
- Global training and conference centre.
- Museum and company store.
City of Milwaukee public river walk (adjacent to campus).
Once final agreements with all parties are concluded, the new campus will be built with a goal of near zero emissions facilities. By incorporating solar panels, wind spires, a remotely operated closed-loop heat treat system, green spaces, LED lighting and other sustainable solutions, Komatsu aims to reduce energy consumption by 75% and reduce water consumption by 80%, compared to its current operations. Completion of the project is expected in 2022.
According to Komatsu, moving from the company’s current National Avenue location will allow Komatsu to increase the number of permanent, full-time employees in Milwaukee to approximately 1000 family-supporting jobs. The move also supports Komatsu’s commitment to its many suppliers across the state of Wisconsin.
President of Surface Mining at Komatsu Mining Corp., John Koetz, said: “This is a win for the city, state, our employees, customers and the community: together we are investing in Milwaukee’s future as a manufacturing stronghold and valued employer.”
“We are preserving existing jobs, laying the groundwork for new employment opportunities, investing in the workforce of tomorrow, and helping attract talent to the area. Milwaukee is a great place for manufacturing. We are proud of our history here and excited to start building our future.”
Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/finance-business/28092018/komatsu-to-open-new-headquarters-in-milwaukee/
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