Komatsu UK (KUK) celebrated its 25th Anniversary on July 16th. The factory in Birtley, UK manufactures tracked and wheeled excavators and is one of the Komatsu group' major production facilities for construction and mining equipment in the

As part of the celebrations, KUK managing director and chairman of Komatsu Europe International, Peter Howe, welcomed Tetsuji Ohashi, a director and senior executive officer of the Japanese parent company, along with a delegation of other senior executives from Komatsu Ltd. Keiko Fujiwara, managing director & CEO of Komatsu Europe International, also attended.

Following the establishing of KUK as a legal entity in 1985, the factory was officially opened by the Prince of Wales in 1987. Over the last 25 years it has produced more than 59,000 machines and has achieved a cumulative turnover of over € 4.8 billion. KUK currently employs some 400 staff and manufactures a portfolio of 15 machines. It exports 80% of its production to Europe and North Africa.

"We can all look back with pride at what Komatsu has achieved over the years. So much of our success can be attributed to our people. We have built excellent foundations for our future. We will continue to invest not only in the KUK facility and our employees, but will also continue to support the local community," said Mr Ohashi.

The occasion was also marked by the presentation of an award to Peter Howe by David Coppock, regional director of UK Trade & Investment, in recognition of Komatsu UK's outstanding contribution to the region's exports.