Komatsu eye on suppliers
AN international mining equipment giant is talking to Geelong firms about a growing opportunity to build components for underground mining products.
Komatsu Mining Corporation is keen to increase its Australian manufacturing capacity as its suppliers struggle to meet demand.
“We are trying to break into sourcing components and materials from Victoria,” Australian supply chain director David Lidden said.
Komatsu brings in annual revenue of about $500 million with its cradle-to-grave approach in making and servicing high-end equipment, which improves productivity and safety in the mining industry.
The company sees potential in Geelong suppliers through their history in servicing car manufacturing.
“There should be some capacity that has the right technology for us,” Mr Lidden said.
A small team from Komatsu is in Geelong to meet Air Radiators, Marand Precision Engineering and Backwell IXL and also presented to a forum hosted by the Geelong Manufacturing Council yesterday.
Mr Lidden said he was excited to see what was happening in Geelong and its mature manufacturing network.
“We are really looking for how that can link in with what we need to support our customers,” he said.
A subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd, it is focused on design, manufacture, repair and service of mining equipment.
“Our equipment is very bespoke, there is a lot of design for application. There is a lot of innovation that comes through the product to meet the demands of the customer,” Mr Lidden said.
Of Komatsu Mining’s 750 staff, about 65 are involved in design.
Geelong Manufacturing Council chief executive David Peart said it was a significant opportunity for Geelong businesses to be part of a growing supply chain.
“It’s important to get with the growth,” Mr Peart said. “There is an opportunity for some of our leading companies to be part of that supply chain.
“We hope that Komatsu may be able to do more business in Geelong.”