Komatsu Consolidates Manufacturing Operations in North America

March 12, 2009—Komatsu Forklift U.S.A., Covington, Ga., and Komatsu America Corporation, Rolling Meadows, Ill., has announced a restructuring and consolidation of manufacturing facilities within North America. As part of this restructuring, Komatsu’s forklift production operation will be moved from Covington, Ga. to its manufacturing operation in Newberry, S.C. The company says this move will allow it to take advantage of available synergies, reduce overall operational expenses, and more effectively utilize assets.

 

“This move will allow Komatsu Forklift to focus on our sales, marketing, and dealer support efforts in North, South and Central America,” noted Komatsu Forklift president, Akira Yamakawa. “In these difficult economic times, we see this as a necessary move to reduce our operational costs and better meet the needs of our dealers and customers.”

 

The transition of production from Covington to Newberry will take place over the next 7 to 8 months, with forklift production beginning in Newberry in October 2009. The company’s parts distribution will be consolidated into its Ripley, Tenn. distribution facility at a time to be determined, and sales, marketing and product support related functions will also be relocated at a later date.  

 

Visit the Komatsu Forklift online for more information.