Komatsu UK, members of North East England Chamber of Commerce, is a leading manufacturing business. They manufacture hydraulic excavators, ranging from 17 tonnes operating weight up to 70 tonnes, which are predominantly sold into the European market. 

Komatsu UK firmly evidences the importance of investing in its workforce through its competitive salary and benefits package, generous pension scheme, employee recognition awards and private medical insurance, plus its emphasis on training and development, investing c£150,000pa.​ 

Komatsu provides apprentices with comprehensive training, which often leads to permanent positions, with former apprentices promoted to managerial roles. Komatsu supports employees through degree apprenticeships, ensuring employees can continue to learn while working.  Mark Watson, Fabrication Production Supervisor, said: “My on-the-job training was excellent”.​ 

The company’s graduate scheme offers rotational placements across different departments, providing diverse experiences and ensuring their continued growth. By offering opportunities for internal progression and development, Komatsu works to retain valuable skills and knowledge within the organisation, while benefiting from fresh perspectives for both colleagues and the business.  

Paul Harling, Assembly Production Supervisor, said: “Komatsu does a fantastic job at developing employees across the business”. The company sponsors employee qualifications such as the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply certifications, as well as engineering qualifications, e.g., Mechanical Engineering HNC/HND. Leadership and management training are integral, with a significant number of employees having completed Institute of Leadership and Management levels 3-5.​ 

Komatsu invests in health and safety training, ensuring employees are well-trained in areas like mental health first aid and fire safety.  Compliance with international standards, such as ISO9001, ISO14001 and ISO45001, demonstrates Komatsu’s commitment to excellence.​ 

To sustain their learning and development and investment in people, Komatsu regularly reviews its employee experience and learning programmes. They encourage open discussions on individual training needs during performance reviews, and comprehensive training plans are developed with colleagues. Despite cost pressures, Komatsu maintains its training budget, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to employee growth.​ 

Future plans for learning and development at Komatsu, involves establishing an internal coaching and mentoring network and leveraging technology (including through continued participation in Komatsu UK’s Techno Olympics) to further support employees. The impact of Komatsu’s learning and development initiatives on the business’s performance is significant.  

Market share increased in Financial Year 2022, despite ongoing challenges with supply chain disruption, showcasing the quality of their products and the commitment of its well-trained workforce. Continuous improvement activities undertaken by employees have led to performance improvements across all areas, including process optimisation and quality enhancement.  

Employee engagement remains high, evidenced by positive survey results, low turnover rates (18% of employees have been with Komatsu for over 20 years), and employee referrals. In recent surveys, 80% of employees answered they are proud to work for Komatsu.​ 

The company has a strong CSR focus with a Charity of the Year (recently donating over £19,000 to Children’s Cancer North), STEM activities, and initiatives to support the local environment (e.g. litter picking). Komatsu has signed the Care Leavers Covenant and is participating in the Youth Justice Mentoring Programme. ​ 

Komatsu stands out as a Workforce Developer through its comprehensive approach to learning and development. By investing in its employees, the company continues to achieve outstanding performance, maintained employee loyalty, and contributes positively to the community.​