Komatsu Company Stores Connections November 2021

Company Stores

Connections

Richard E. Pierson Construction Company Inc. Morgan Asphalt Inc.

A publication for and about Komatsu Company Stores customers • komatsustores.com • January 2022

A Message from Komatsu

A new way to connect with customers Dear Valued Customer:

We are excited to bring you our Komatsu Company Stores Connections online magazine. We believe connecting with our customers and providing insights into our industry will help you find new and innovative ways to be successful. Throughout this magazine and its future editions, you will find a wide range of articles covering all aspects of the heavy equipment industries.

For 100 years, Komatsu has actively shaped the construction and mining industries. With recent innovations such as intelligent Machine Control (iMC) technology and the slant-nose design on our dozers, we plan to continue shaping the industry for years to come.

Read about Komatsu’s 100-year history in our article on page 14.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our industry in countless ways, such as new options for taking steps to keep you and your employees safe. Some of the consequences of the pandemic that have affected our customers also include higher prices and material shortages. Check out our article on page 13 to see what actions your company can take to address these issues. We remain optimistic about the improving landscape and look forward to a strong end to 2021.

Grant Adams

Many of our customers help maintain and update our country’s civil infrastructure.

Komatsu customer Richard E. Pierson Construction Company Inc. reconstructs highways and bridges along the East Coast. Learn more about the company on page 4.

Utah-based Morgan Asphalt Inc. has worked with Komatsu for nearly two decades. On page 8, see how our partnership has helped them become one of the Beehive State's most notable contractors.

As always, if there is anything we can do for you, please call one of our store locations.

Sincerely, Grant Adams, Vice President & GM of Company Owned Distribution

Published for Komatsu Company Stores. © 2021 Construction Publications Inc. Printed in the USA.

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Company Stores

Connections In this issue Richard E. Pierson Construction Company Inc. pg. 4 Learn more about this New Jersey company that primarily completes heavy civil roadwork jobs for states, counties and townships.

Morgan Asphalt Inc. pg. 8

Meet the Morgans, whose family business started out doing small patching and driveway paving jobs and now performs site preparation on multimillion-dollar projects.

Guest Opinion pg. 13

Understand why contractors should address cost overruns and material shortages quickly, according to attorney Alex Barthet.

Roots Run Deep pg. 14

Celebrate Komatsu's 100th anniversary by learning about its historical impact on the construction industry and future plans for improvement and innovation.

Creating value together Phoenix, Arizona 25015 S McQueen Rd, Chandler, AZ 85249 (807) 972-3660

Newington, Connecticut 283 Pane Rd, Newington, CT 06111 (860) 665-7470

Elko, Nevada 4450 P&H Dr, Elko, NV 89801 (775) 753-7557

Laurel, Delaware 28587 Sussex Hwy, Laurel, DE 19956 (302) 715-5382

Las Vegas, Nevada 3825 Losee Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89030 (702) 399-1004

Baltimore, Maryland 1400 Joh Ave, Baltimore, MD 21227 (410) 247-2100

Reno, Nevada 900 Marietta Way, Reno, NV 89431 (775) 356-1334

South Plainfield, New Jersey 2820 Hamilton Blvd, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 (908) 561-9000

Albuquerque, New Mexico 6101 Pan American Freeway NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 345-8383

Winslow, New Jersey 201 NJ-73, Cedar Brook, NJ 08018 (856) 767-5900

Carlsbad, New Mexico 4304 Monica Ln, Carlsbad, NM 88220 (505) 485-1700

Holbrook, New York 601 Coates Ave, Holbrook, NY 11741 (631) 563-7600

Farmington, New Mexico 901 Troy King Rd, Farmington, NM 87401 (505) 324-8601

Holmes, New York 24 Sybil Crt, Holmes, NY 12531 (845) 878-4004

El Paso, Texas 1181 Burgundy Dr, El Paso, TX 79907 (915) 872-1001

Pine Bush, New York 97 NY-302, Pine Bush, NY 12566 (845) 744-2006

Salt Lake City, Utah 1486 S Distribution Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84104 (801) 972-3660

Yonkers, New York 4 Executive Plaza, Yonkers, NY 10701 (914) 738-5100

St. George, Utah 1409 East 3850 South, St. George, UT 84790 (435) 986-1000

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 6375 Allentown Blvd, Harrisburg, PA 17112 (717) 652-3190

Casper, Wyoming 1180 Iron St, Casper, WY 82636 (307) 223-4660

Hatfield, Pennsylvania 2240 Bethlehem Pike, Hatfield, PA 19440 (215) 822-0145

Gillette, Wyoming 10790 South Hwy 59, Gillette, WY 82718 (307) 682-1445

State College, Pennsylvania 689 East College Ave, Bellefonte, PA 16823 (814) 308-5660

Rock Springs, Wyoming 405 Jonah Dr, Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 686-1300

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 1261 PA-315, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 (570) 824-9891

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A Salute to a Komatsu Customer

Richard E. Pierson Construction Company Inc. reconstructs highways and bridges along the East Coast

E Richard Pierson, Owner

Discover more at www.KomatsuStores.com

Ever since he was a kid, Richard Pierson imagined himself building a career in the construction industry. He learned the ropes of the industry from his father and gained experience working his way up the ladder at a local contracting firm. In 1980, Pierson incorporated his own business, Richard E. Pierson Construction Company Inc.

“Like a lot of people from my generation, I got out of school and went to work,” stated Pierson.

“I worked for a couple contractors and learned the business before I was ready to try something on my own. I bought my own backhoe in 1976 and continued working part time for the largest paving company in South Jersey before committing to my company full time in 1980.”

Based out of Pilesgrove, N.J., Richard E. Pierson Construction Company has grown considerably over the past four decades.

“We started out taking on private jobs for companies I had built relationships with across

An operator excavates material for a bulkhead using a Komatsu PC490LC-11 excavator at Richard E. Pierson Construction Company’s new marina job site.

“We’re digging out the dirt, so we can put in the tiebacks,” explained Richard Pierson, owner. “That will hold the sheets and the deadman in place. Then we’re backfilling with high-quality material.”

the industry,” recalled Pierson. “They preferred our work and forced me to grow the company bigger than I initially intended. We now have two divisions, Pierson Construction and Pierson Materials, that complete a combined $350 million annually.

“We prefer projects $50 million or bigger,” continued Pierson. “During peak construction season in the summer, we have upwards of 600 employees. The biggest key to our success is the quality of people who work here. We’re like a family company because we have a team that enjoys being here and is not afraid to do what’s necessary to get a project done the right way.”

The bigger the better

Today, Richard E. Pierson Construction Company primarily completes heavy civil roadwork jobs for states, counties and townships. Its portfolio includes extensive highway and bridgework projects throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland.

Recently, the firm completed six miles of reconstruction along Interstate 476. The three-year project required two phases to rebuild four bridges and create the turnpike.

Over the next five years, the firm will complete a $152 million project rebuilding 6.5 miles of Route 70 in South Jersey.

“We’re installing a new gas main down the center of the highway, adding new water mains and all new storm sewer lines,” said Pierson. “It’s a heavily trafficked route with business access points we have to keep open. Although it’s challenging, projects like these are our strengths.”

Richard E. Pierson Construction Company will also take on unique projects spanning larger bodies of water.

4

“The aging infrastructure along the East Coast means that we’re facing more reconstruction projects than new build jobs,” explained Pierson. “We tore down the old Goethals Bridge between New York and New Jersey once the new bridge was completed.

More often, we will shut down half of a bridge to reconstruct one side at a time, which allows traffic to continue flowing. Almost

At Richard E. Pierson Construction Company’s new marina, an operator loads material into the bed of a Komatsu HM400 articulated truck using a Komatsu PC490LC-11 excavator. “Half of our excavators are Komatsus,” stated owner Richard Pierson. “We have solid production with them because they’re dependable, fast and comfortable to operate.”

everything we do is complex and requires extensive planning.”

To complete its bridge projects, the firm established a marine division. It recently began construction on a marina to keep equipment there.

“We’re transforming 15.5 acres of land along Oldmans Creek into a marina to stage our barges and cranes,” explained Pierson. “We’re putting in a bulkhead, installing tiebacks and grading the site. Once we reach final grade, we’ll pour the concrete and lay the asphalt.”

Komatsu delivers

With so many cogs moving on any given project, maximizing uptime is vital for Richard E. Pierson Construction Company. To find the right machines, the firm works closely with its local Komatsu Company Store and sales representative Barry Talley.

“Half of our excavators are Komatsus,” stated Pierson. “We have solid production with them because they’re dependable, fast and comfortable to operate. We have three PC1250s and many other excavators ranging from the PC800 through the PC390 and down to the smaller PC210.”

An operator grades a slope using a Komatsu PC400LC excavator with an extended boom. “We primarily use the long reach capabilities of the PC400 to dig out bridge foundations below the water level or excavate coffer dams,” said owner Richard Pierson. “Years ago, we had to use clamshells and draglines. We've found that the extended reach on the 400 is more efficient and works out very well for us.”

The firm also has an assortment of Komatsu wheel loaders, dozers and articulated trucks.

Four of its machines utilize Komatsu’s intelligent Machine Control (iMC) technology, including two PC490LCi-11 excavators, a D51PXi-24 dozer and a D61PXi-24 dozer.

Continued . . .

5

‘We enjoy working directly with Komatsu’ . . . continued

“We've found that the GPS technology on the integrated iMC system is accurate and dependable,” noted Pierson. “It helps our operators to stay on grade and work more efficiently. Not having to handle masts, wires or external hookups also makes maintenance simpler for us.”

Service and support from Komatsu Company Stores play an integral role in Pierson’s commitment to Komatsu machines.

“We prefer working with the Komatsu-owned stores because we’re dealing directly with Komatsu. The parts availability has been excellent, and their service center takes care of us when something happens,” stated Pierson.

“They also have an excellent 5-year/10,000-hour warranty program that fully covers our machines. That significantly reduces our stress.

All the way around we enjoy working directly with Komatsu.”

Pierson added, “Our sales rep, Barry, is incredibly knowledgeable about the machines.

He does whatever he can do to service you and take care of you. He understands what’s important to us and makes it a priority.”

Future outlook

Pierson has no plans to fully retire from the company. He envisions helping the next generation run the business.

(L-R) Vice President Rob Baccala, owner Richard Pierson and Chief Financial Officer/ Controller Cherri Sickler have grown Richard E. Pierson Construction Company into one of the largest civil contractors in the area. “The biggest key to our success is the quality of people who work here,” said Pierson. “We’re like a family company because we have a team that enjoys being here and is not afraid to do what’s necessary to get a project done the right way.”

“I’ll stay involved until I pass away,” joked Pierson. “We’re training some of our younger employees to have a strong say in the direction of the company. There’s lots of demand for our services, and we’re set up well to continue growing into the future.” ■

Owner Richard Pierson (left) partners with Komatsu and sales representative Barry Talley for his equipment needs. “Our sales rep, Barry, is incredibly knowledgeable about the machines,” said Pierson. “He does whatever he can do to service you and take care of you. He understands what’s important to us and makes it a priority.”

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Connected to your success Now you can stay connected to your fleet and your business – instantly.

From a cell phone, laptop, tablet - simply log on to My Komatsu, your free online portal for remote fleet management, parts ordering and tracking, parts and service news, and other real-time, customized information. mykomatsu.komatsu

A Salute to a Komatsu Customer

Morgan Asphalt Inc. builds success by taking control of schedules and doing bigger jobs each year in the Salt Lake City area

M

Matt Morgan grew up around asphalt, but if things had worked out the way his father, Thom, originally planned, that probably would not have been the case.

Matt Morgan, President

Brice Butler, Equipment Manager

“Dad worked for an asphalt company during summers to make money while he was attending the University of Utah, and he hated the job,” Matt explained. “He wanted nothing to do with it after he graduated. He went into commercial real estate in Phoenix.

Over the course of time, things changed in that realm, and he decided to move back to the Salt Lake area.”

When Thom moved, he took on a 50% stake in an asphalt contracting company that performed both paving and maintenance.

Matt emphasized that those two services didn’t work well together.

“There are unique skills sets with each that involve different demands for equipment,

Foreman Cesar Montes digs base material with a Komatsu PC138USLC-10 tight tail swing excavator on a parking lot repair project. “The excavator has good power for its size; it will dig out hard materials fairly easily,” said Montes. “It’s fast and smooth.”

time and people,” he pointed out. “Dad and his partner at the time decided it was best to split the company up and each go their separate ways. My dad took the paving side, and that was the start of Morgan Asphalt in 1996.”

Based in Magna, Utah, Morgan Asphalt Inc. started out doing small patching and driveway paving jobs with Thom and a small group of workers. During the past 20-plus years, Thom, Matt and a staff of dedicated individuals steadily built the company into one of the Beehive State’s most notable contractors.

Today, it has more than 200 employees during peak season and numerous crews focused on mainline paving, milling, grading, excavating, utilities and site concrete.

Improved schedule control

Matt estimated that about 70% of Morgan Asphalt’s work is done as a subcontractor within a 75-mile radius of Magna. Projects range in size from a $100,000 base and pave to multimillion-dollar site packages that include site preparation and paving, mainly in the commercial sector.

“Each year we take on a little larger paving project than the one before, and that model has worked very well for Morgan Asphalt,” said Matt. “Many of our employees have been with the company for a decade or more, and their experience and expertise helped us grow.

Their skill level is a big reason that we are able to complete paving jobs efficiently with the highest quality.”

Matt added that initially the staff’s ability to work quickly posed a problem for Morgan Asphalt.

“We got to a point where the dirt guys were having a hard time staying ahead of us,” Matt said. “In order to better control the schedule, we took on excavation and site prep. Now, we do everything from stripping, to utility installation, to finish grading in preparation for paving. We now have multiple grading, excavation and utility crews. Adding excavation sped things up considerably.”

8

While adding earthmoving solved Morgan Asphalt’s site preparation situation, the company still faced another dilemma. It had grown into the largest asphalt paver in the market that didn’t supply its own material. The

Operator Colby Walton moves material at Morgan Asphalt’s aggregate pit with a Komatsu WA500-8 wheel loader.

“The machine runs smooth, and the joystick controls are nice,” said Walton. “It has a comfortable ride.”

company found a solution by opening its own aggregate plant and pit.

“We realized that buying materials and competing against our competitors was not a solid long-term business model, even though we had built great relationships with them,” said Matt. “Our future would always be capped. This was a really good strategic move.”

Komatsu assists in choosing most efficient machines

When Morgan Asphalt decided to open its pit, Matt and Equipment Manager Brice Butler contacted Komatsu’s Salt Lake City branch for advice. After a discussion with Jim Slade, general sales manager for the Rocky Mountain region, and other Komatsu personnel, they decided that WA500-8 wheel loaders would be the proper size for the operation.

“We have one with a spade bucket to load the crusher and two with a straight edge for loading trucks,” said Brice. “Jim and Komatsu answered a lot of questions to help us get the best

efficiency and price. We debated over WA500s versus WA600s, and they considered what we expected for production rates among other factors. Their expertise was invaluable, but we knew it would be based on past experiences.”

Matt added, “Service plays a big role in our equipment choices. Komatsu has always been there whenever we need them. Jim and our past territory managers have been great to work with, and our new representative, Darrell Sagers, is the same. They have been a big part of our growth and success.”

Discover more at www.KomatsuStores.com

Morgan Asphalt and Komatsu have worked together for nearly two decades. Morgan Asphalt has used Komatsu loaders, including WA320 models, in its utility operations for several years. It also has a WA500-6.

“We still have the original WA320 we purchased; it works great for picking pipe, moving gravel boxes and is easy to transport,” said Brice. “We equip them with quick couplers to easily switch from buckets

Continued . . .

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‘Our Komatsu equipment's reliability is outstanding’ . . . continued

to forks. That first loader continues to run very well, as does a WA500-6 that has about 11,000 hours on it. Our Komatsu equipment's reliability is outstanding.”

To dig trenches, Morgan Asphalt relies heavily on Komatsu PC138USLC-10 tight tail swing

excavators. “The PC138 is a great crossover between a standard excavator and a mini,” said Brice. “They have great power, so we get good production even in confined-space situations, as well as in open digs.”

Brice uses My Komatsu to track the machines through telematics and order parts. “It’s an amazing fleet management tool,” he stated. “It has service manuals, so everything is right there on the computer.

One big advantage is that I can see what a code is on a machine remotely, without driving to the job site. It helps save time and expense.”

A balancing act

Morgan Asphalt’s management is currently charting a course for the company’s future.

Matt said the plan calls for stable, healthy growth in a controlled fashion.

Morgan Asphalt Equipment Manager Brice Butler checks the company’s Komatsu fleet using My Komatsu. “It’s an amazing fleet management tool,” he stated. “It has service manuals, so everything is right there on the computer. One big advantage is that I can see what a code is on a machine remotely, without driving to the job site. It helps save time and expense.”

“The question is, how do we keep the good that we have and build toward where we think we can go?” Matt asked. “We have a strong family atmosphere. We know each other and our families. If we get too big, that dynamic gets lost. So, we are determining how to keep that culture while at the same time reaching our potential. It’s our belief that we have a moral obligation to do the latter for ourselves, our people and the business. It’s a balancing act that we are navigating, and we are considering the possibilities.” ■

(L-R) Morgan Asphalt Equipment Manager Brice Butler, Komatsu Territory Manager Darrell Sagers, Morgan Asphalt President Matt Morgan, and Komatsu West General Sales Manager Jim Slade discuss equipment at Morgan Asphalt’s office in Magna, Utah. “Komatsu has always been there whenever we needed them,” stated Matt. “Jim and our past territory managers have been great to work with, and our new rep, Darrell Sagers, is the same. They have been a big part of our growth and success.”

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Phoenix, AZ • (807) 972-3660 Elko, NV • (775) 753-7557 Las Vegas, NV • (702) 399-1004 Reno, NV • (775) 356-1334 Albuquerque, NM • (505) 345-8383 Carlsbad, NM • (505) 485-1700 Farmington, NM • (505) 324-8601 El Paso, TX • (915) 872-1001 Salt Lake City, UT • (801) 972-3660 St. George, UT • (435) 986-1000

Company Stores

Casper, WY • (307) 223-4660 Gillette, WY • (307) 682-1445 Rock Springs, WY • (307) 686-1300 Newington, CT • (860) 665-7470 Laurel, DE • (302) 715-5382 Baltimore, MD • (410) 247-2100

South Plainfield, NJ • (908) 561-9000 Winslow, NJ • (856) 767-5900 Holbrook, NY • (631) 563-7600 Holmes, NY • (845) 878-4004 Pine Bush, NY • (845) 744-2006 Yonkers, NY • (914) 738-5100 Harrisburg, PA • (717) 652-3190 Hatfield, PA • (215) 822-0145 State College, PA • (814) 308-5660 Wilkes-Barre, PA • (570) 824-9891

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Guest Opinion

Address cost overruns, material shortages as quickly as possible and seek equitable solutions

W

We’ve all noticed that the price of just about everything has gone up in the last year. If that isn’t bad enough, obtaining many of the materials needed in construction has gotten very difficult. This combination of price escalation and material shortages is significantly disrupting a contractor’s ability to properly price and timely build any project.

However, contractors are not without some remedy. They can attempt to address these issues either during the negotiation and bid process or once construction has commenced.

It is obviously easier to attend to such matters before a contract is actually signed. Look to strike any proposed language that has you absorbing the risk and exposure of any price escalation. Rather, seek to incorporate the right to adjust the pricing on the job, passing on any unexpected increases, maybe through a change order. Alert your suppliers, advising them you need guaranteed pricing for some extended period, and you need written notice significantly in advance of any anticipated increase in pricing or any delay in delivery. You might want to add a provision similar to the following: “Where the delivery of materials is delayed or quantities are limited as a result of shortages, rationing or unavailability, subcontractor shall not be liable or responsible for any delays or damages caused thereby. When this occurs, subcontractor shall propose substitute or

alternate means of acquiring said materials and contractor and subcontractor shall negotiate an equitable price adjustment to their contract. When the costs of any material exceed 25% more than the documentable price originally quoted by the subcontractor, then subcontractor shall notice contractor in writing of such change and the parties shall come to a mutual agreement on a new price. This provision shall control over all other terms and conditions in this agreement and contract documents.”

Existing contracts may be adjusted

If you’ve already entered a contract, it will surely be more difficult to address these issues. Depending on how the contract is written, an equitable adjustment in both time and price may still be achieved through the exercise of certain contract provisions, such as a Force Majeure clause, noting circumstances beyond your control entitle you to some modicum of relief. Pushed to honor your original pricing, you likely will be unable to complete the work — something neither the contractor nor the owner would want to see happen, as this will undoubtedly delay the progress of the project and cost them both more than the reasonable price increase you would be quoting. A good faith renegotiation should be attempted.

Be proactive — approach each ongoing and new job with these points in mind. ■

Alex Barthet, Attorney About the author: Attorney Alex Barthet (alex@barthet.com) serves as litigation counsel to many contractors and material suppliers.

Board certified in construction law by the Florida Bar, he has been selected by his peers for inclusion in lists such as the Florida Super Lawyers within the specialty of construction law.

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared at TheLienZone.com.

Contractors should attempt to address the issues of higher prices and material shortages before contracts are signed and after, if possible, according to attorney Alex Barthet. “Seek to incorporate the right to adjust the pricing on the job, passing on any unexpected increases, maybe through a change order,” Barthet said.

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Roots Run Deep

Komatsu continues to shape the future of construction and mining operations as it celebrates its 100th anniversary

O

One hundred years ago, Komatsu City, Japan, faced a potential crisis with the closure of a nearby copper mine that was a vital source of jobs. Meitaro Takeuchi, an entrepreneur dedicated to advancing educational opportunities and improving mine efficiency, knew there had to be a way to save the livelihoods of the community members who relied on the mine.

Discover more

In 1917, he established Komatsu Iron Works, a machinery company for maintaining mining equipment. In 1921, Takeuchi and a group of investors founded Komatsu Ltd., which began producing cast steel products, providing new employment to those who had been dependent on the now-depleted mine. The first product, produced in 1924, was a one-cylinder sheet-forming machine.

While Komatsu continues to manufacture industrial presses, over the past 100 years it has expanded its portfolio of products to include forklifts as well as construction and mining equipment. The first machine Komatsu shipped outside of Japan was in 1955, when it sent a motor grader to Argentina. A Komatsu dozer In 1970, the first Komatsu headquarters in North America was established in San Francisco. Subsequent headquarters were in Atlanta and the Chicago suburbs. The company is now based in the city of Chicago.

arrived in North America in 1964, marking the company’s presence in that market.

Komatsu celebrated its official 100th anniversary on May 13, 2021. Throughout the next year, there will be a series of activities focused on the company’s commitment to its new brand promise of “creating value together.” That value will be created “through manufacturing and technology innovation to empower a sustainable future where people, businesses and our planet thrive together,” according to Komatsu.

The company added that its core values include: • Ambition: With a ‘challenging spirit’ and without fear of failure, we innovate and always aspire to do more.

• Perseverance: Even when the work is difficult, we remain committed to our promises and reliably carry them through to completion.

• Collaboration: Creating value comes from teamwork, inclusion, respect, diversity and a win-win approach to all relationships.

• Authenticity: To earn and maintain trust, we always act with sincerity, integrity and honesty, and communicate transparently.

Continual innovation

Back in 1902, prior to founding Komatsu Ltd., Takeuchi was already helping the community and mine employees by taking over operations at the copper mine. He funded projects to mechanize processes and teach new skills to the people. Takeuchi established schools, sent staff overseas to learn the latest techniques, and purchased machines to improve efficiency.

He funded and supported a science and engineering department at a university in Tokyo, as well as a local industrial school to significantly advance educational opportunities and options in the rural areas near Komatsu City.

As Takeuchi and his team worked to grow operations, he remained true to his principles: quality first, technology innovation, globalization and the development of people.

“As we expanded around the world, we leveraged the strengths of global production while nurturing local leadership and creating Continued . . .

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Komatsu Ltd. was founded in 1921 by Meitaro Takeuchi and a group of investors. Takeuchi was an entrepreneur with a humanitarian vision committed to enhancing the quality of life, developing future generations and growing society’s needs.

100-year highlights

1924

First machine produced by Komatsu – an industrial press

2017

1991

1964

First Komatsu machine arrives in North America – a dozer

1964

1970

1986

1987

1991

1987

1955

First Komatsu machine exported from Japan – a motor grader to Argentina

1970

Production of 100th machine in the United States – WA600 wheel loader

Komatsu establishes first North American headquarters

My Komatsu fleet management application debuts

Komatsu launches intelligent Machine Control dozer – D61i-23

Production of first machine in the United States – WA600 wheel loader in Chattanooga, Tenn.

1955

2020

2013

1986

1924

Komatsu purchases Joy Global

Ripley, Tenn., parts operation established

2008

2008

2013

2014

2017

2020

2020

2014

Komatsu introduces intelligent Machine Control excavator – PC210LCi-10

First Autonomous Haulage System mine started in Chile

2020

Smart Construction Solutions introduced

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Takeuchi's innovative spirit . . . continued

value for the customers we serve, investing in every community and supporting society where we worked. With each challenge faced, Komatsu teams pushed forward together, working to innovate, diversify into new markets and expand globally,” Komatsu’s origin story states.

Takeuchi’s innovative spirit can still be seen today. Komatsu pioneered autonomous technology and has had driverless trucks in mines around the world since 2008, and by July 2020, over 3 billion metric tons had been hauled autonomously. It brought integrated GPS to dozers and excavators with intelligent Machine Control to help operators get to grade faster with less staking and without masts or cables. It introduced complimentary, scheduled maintenance and tools such as My Komatsu to provide more efficient fleet management.

To help customers manage projects from preconstruction to project closeout, increase productivity and efficiency, and digitize the job site, Komatsu is rolling out its suite of Smart Construction solutions.

“In our next 100 years, Komatsu will focus on supporting the mining, construction, forestry, industrial machinery and agriculture industries in their transformations to the digital workplace of the future: equipment and people, connected through smart technologies on an open platform, driving towards zero harm, zero waste

and zero emissions. By helping to digitize job sites worldwide, our customers can optimize on-site operations towards a carbon-neutral environment,” the company stated.

Long-term sustainability efforts

Takeuchi’s vision and strong guiding principles stood the test of time. Through the years, Komatsu’s continued investment in core capabilities and strategic acquisitions have connected smart, diverse people and cutting-edge technologies with a shared belief that partnerships are the best way to solve challenges and meet society’s needs.

“Komatsu’s philosophy is passed down from generation to generation through our principles, strategies, The Komatsu Way and the belief that Corporate Social Responsibility is part of our core business and the value we create,” the company said. “In regions across the globe, Komatsu continues to provide products and solutions which address social needs and give back to communities where we do business by leveraging the skills and the passion of our people. We seek to play an active role in supporting the long-term success of society through sustainable efforts that reach far beyond Komatsu.

“From our founding city to the global community in which we operate today, we know we are stronger when we are creating value together.” ■

Komatsu's collaboration with customers has led to innovative solutions, such as intelligent Machine Control and Smart Construction, that leverage the latest technology to digitize and optimize the job site.

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Las Vegas, NV • (702) 399-1004

Gillette, WY • (307) 682-1445

Pine Bush, NY • (845) 744-2006

Newington, CT • (860) 665-7470

Harrisburg, PA • (717) 652-3190

Baltimore, MD • (410) 247-2100

State College, PA • (814) 308-5660

Elko, NV • (775) 753-7557

Reno, NV • (775) 356-1334

Albuquerque, NM • (505) 345-8383 Carlsbad, NM • (505) 485-1700

Farmington, NM • (505) 324-8601 El Paso, TX • (915) 872-1001

Salt Lake City, UT • (801) 972-3660

Casper, WY • (307) 223-4660

Rock Springs, WY • (307) 686-1300 Laurel, DE • (302) 715-5382

South Plainfield, NJ • (908) 561-9000 Winslow, NJ • (856) 767-5900

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Holmes, NY • (845) 878-4004

Yonkers, NY • (914) 738-5100 Hatfield, PA • (215) 822-0145

Wilkes-Barre, PA • (570) 824-9891