KOMATSU Forest officially unveiled its brand-new UK home today - with guests including the Mayor of Carlisle and the Consulate General of Japan.
The £4 million development on the outskirts of Carlisle represents a major step forward for the manufacturer. Designed and built with the future in mind, it is a much larger space than its former base and will "revolutionise" the way Komatsu does business in the country, particularly for the customer.
Stephen Bellas, managing director of Komatsu Forest UK, said: "It doesn't feel real that we are now opening up our new facility. Many of the staff are only seeing it for the first time.
"We are over the moon with it. The aim was to make an environment to allow us to grow and develop, but also to provide a location that is nice and safe for staff to work in."
READ MORE: 'Ferrari treat you like a king': Komatsu's new UK HQ puts customer experience first
Forestry Journal was among the invited guests today (Friday, September 8) for the official opening, which saw customers, contractors, and local dignitaries given an exclusive look around the site. Located a stone's throw from Carlisle Airport, Komatsu bosses believe its location will perfectly meet the needs of operators across the UK.
The Mayor of Carlisle, councillor Abdul Harid, said: "It is a huge boost for the local area and for Carlisle. For Komatsu, the second-largest manufacturer in the world, to come to Carlisle is truly an honour and a privilege."
The new two-storey office, clad in timber, provides more space than the current team of 35 requires, but allows room to grow in the years to come. Similarly, the workshop has a modular design, so an extra bay can be added if required.
The facility also has solar panels on the roof to improve energy efficiency, and electric car-charging points, among other features aimed at sustainability.
The design drew inspiration from Komatsu’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Klockarbäcken, Umeå, Sweden, which was designed to be sustainable while boosting creativity and productivity, boasting large, open areas, high ceilings and timber (sourced from the nearby spruce forests) throughout.
Forestry Journal will have more coverage of Komatsu's new facility in October's edition of the magazine and across our online channels
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