30 years of success on Tyneside

EXCAVATOR manufacturer Komatsu has celebrated the 30th anniversary of its North East factory by welcoming back a former colleague who now heads up the global company.

To celebrate the plant’s milestone, employees and delegates from the company’s headquarters in Japan attended a tour of the site at Birtley, Gateshead.

Included in the number was Komatsu Group CEO Tesuji Ohashi, who spent seven years working at the UK plant when it was first opened.

Mr Ohashi said: “I have nothing but fond memories of my time at Birtley and learned so much during my years here. It is fantastic to see so many old friends and colleagues here on this momentous day.

“Komatsu UK arrived at a time when North East industry was changing dramatically. Not only did I work at Komatsu UK, but back in 1984, before the site was acquired, I was one of the team members seeking a suitable location for the plant.

“I am not exaggerating when I say the whole region opened its arms to welcome us and I have felt that this is my second home ever since.

“In particular, I thank Gateshead Council, which supported us when the plant was established, and continued to do so ever since.”

He added: “The original owner of this plant was one of our competitors. As we could not buy direct from them, Gateshead Council acted as an intermediary.

“It also gave us full support regarding the hiring and training of employees. I thank Martin Gannon and his predecessors who have supported Komatsu UK for over 30 years, and for maintaining the string link between Gateshead and Komatsu City.”

The Gateshead factory manufactures a range of vehicle used on construction sites. Since the start of the year the plant has launched four new excavators, including the award-winning PC390HRD-11 model.

Links between the North East and the Japanese manufacturer have grown in strength over the years and led to Gateshead being twinned with Komatsu City.

Gateshead Council also planted a Japanese garden in Saltwell Park in 2008 to mark the 20-year anniversary of the plant. The garden, which contains a gravel pond, waterfalls, and stone lanterns, has recently been renovated/