Komatsu North America celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation (CMO) on July 10, 2026, marking four decades of production and the rollout of the facility's 60,000th excavator.
The milestone machine is a customized PC490LC-11 excavator built for demolition, environmental and infrastructure contractor D.H. Griffin. During the event, the company also unveiled the "Ochi Loader," a restored WA450-1 wheel loader from 1988 named after the facility's first Japanese general manager, Shohei Ochi.
During the event, the company also unveiled the "Ochi Loader," (pictured here) a restored WA450-1 wheel loader from 1988 named after the facility's first Japanese general manager, Shohei Ochi.IRONMARKETS
Established in 1985, the Chattanooga plant was Komatsu's first manufacturing facility in the United States. It currently produces medium-size hydraulic excavators, articulated haul trucks and forestry equipment while supporting engineering, product development and supply chain operations for the North American market.
The facility has seen significant operational shifts in recent years, including the 2023 return of production for the HM400 line of articulated haul trucks, which had been manufactured in Japan since 2009. The plant also maintains workforce development initiatives through apprenticeship programs in partnership with Chattanooga State Community College.
Komatsu North America CEO Rod Bull (left) thanks employee David Dolan for his years of service at Komatsu's Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation (CMO). Dolan joined Komatsu in 1986 and is the most tenured employee at CMO.Komatsu
"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 of 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."
