"The multi-million dollar upgrade at the Connors Road facility is the first of a two stage of expansion in Mackay for Komatsu"
In June 2013, Komatsu Australia revealed its recently upgraded Assembly Facility in Mackay, which forms part of a nationwide expansion program that is designed to increased capacity and capability at the global earthmoving equipment company's sites in Australia.
The multi-million dollar upgrade at the Connors Road facility is the first of a two stage of expansion in Mackay for Komatsu. The second phase features a brand new Customer Support facility also in Paget.
The Connors' Road facility is the assembly location for Komatsu's largest Truck, the 960E, which has a haulage capacity of 330t and is powered by a 78 litre, V18 engine that produces 2610kW of power which in turn is transmitted through electric wheel motors. This is the only location in Australia where 960Es are assembled.
Komatsu Australia Managing Director Sean Taylor said that "Komatsu's central Queensland fleet of 960Es is the largest anywhere in the world, and as such our investment in Mackay is of global significance to Komatsu"
Key elements of the expansion at Connors Road include:Assembly Capacity of 960E trucks increased by 75%.Installation of a New Paintshop capable of painting ultra-class mining machinesCreation of a WA1200 assembly bay. The WA1200 is Komatsu's largest Wheel Loader with a bucket capacity of up to 35m3. Australia accounts for over half of the global production of WA1200's each yearNew Staff Amenities (lunch room, changes rooms)Site designed to the highest safety & Environmental standards
In addition to the upgrade at Connors Road, Komatsu Australia has commenced works at a second location in Paget which will become Komatsu's new Customer Support facility and is scheduled for completion in early 2014. The new customer support site will feature:Parts Warehouse Close to double the existing Mackay WarehouseService Workshop Designed to suit mining and construction class machinesTrack ShopWashbaySales & Customer Support OfficesSite designed to the highest safety & Environmental standards
Komatsu's Queensland General Manager, Dean Gaedtke said that "the investment in Customer Support is a recognition of the company's focus on putting the customer at the center of our business."
Komatsu's expansion in Mackay forms part of the company's largest ever investment in Australia as it expands it footprint around the country.
The first stage of this national expansion commenced with the commissioning of Komatsu's state of the art assembly, reman and service facility in Wacol, Brisbane in April 2012 and has been followed by significant investments in Perth & a new National Training Center in Brisbane.
These projects will be followed by further expansions in Port Hedland and Sydney this year, and follow on from a number of newbranches opened in the past 12 months in areas including Whyalla, The La Trobe Valley and South-Western Sydney.