CHATTANOOGA, TN — For 40 years, Komatsu's Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation (CMO) has helped power industries around the world while serving as a cornerstone of the Chattanooga, Tennessee, community. Employees, customers, elected officials, and community members recently gathered to celebrate the facility's 40th anniversary and the rollout of the 60,000th excavator built at the plant.
The celebration showcased a lineup of machines manufactured in Chattanooga, highlighting the facility's long-standing contributions to Komatsu's manufacturing footprint in the United States. Attendees also witnessed the unveiling of the facility's 60,000th excavator, a specially customized PC490LC-11 excavator built for demolition, environmental, and infrastructure contractor D.H. Griffin.
Another highlight was the unveiling of the restored WA450-1 wheel loader known as the "Ochi Loader." Originally built in March 1988, the machine was closely associated with CMO's first Japanese General Manager, Shohei Ochi. Restored by Chattanooga employees, the loader now serves as a permanent tribute to the people who helped establish the facility's culture.
Established in 1985 as Komatsu's first manufacturing facility in the United States, the Chattanooga plant has grown into a cornerstone of the company's North American manufacturing network. Today, the campus produces medium-size hydraulic excavators, articulated haul trucks, and forestry equipment while supporting engineering, product development, and supply chain operations that serve customers across North America.
Over the past four decades, the facility has continually expanded its capabilities while maintaining a commitment to the local community. Recent milestones include the establishment and expansion of apprenticeship offerings as part of a workforce development partnership with Chattanooga State Community College, and the 2023 return of production of the company’s line of HM400 articulated haul trucks, which had been manufactured in Japan since 2009.
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"For 40 years, our Chattanooga plant has demonstrated what can be achieved when talented people are committed to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement," said Rod Bull, CEO, Komatsu North America. "Reaching 60,000 excavators is an incredible milestone, but what makes Chattanooga truly special is the generations of employees whose dedication has helped build Komatsu's reputation with customers across North America."
