Komatsu Brings Production of its HM400-5 Articulated Trucks Back to the USA

Komatsu has started producing its HM400-5 articulated haul trucks at its Chattanooga, Tennessee plant, in response to growing demand. The 473-horsepower trucks are used in construction, quarry, and mining applications, and are designed to move materials across challenging terrain while delivering consistent performance for operators of all experience levels.

Previously produced in Chattanooga in the mid-2000s, production shifted to Ibaraki, Japan in 2009, where it has remained until now.

To celebrate the new production line, Komatsu and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) hosted U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann and other officials for a launch event at the Chattanooga facility.

“For years, Komatsu has been a proud member of our Chattanooga-area community, providing hundreds of good-paying jobs and generating a massive economic impact for Chattanooga and Tennessee,” said Rep. Fleischmann.

“Bringing back production of Komatsu's HM400-5 trucks is another sign of our strong local workforce and shows the confidence business leaders have in Chattanooga's economy and our values of hard work, low taxes, and free enterprise. I am excited that Komatsu is expanding their operations here in Chattanooga and investing in our community.”

The return of the truck production is expected to boost the local economy and create more job opportunities for area students in manufacturing. Komatsu's Chattanooga plant employs around 525 people, producing midsize hydraulic excavators, intelligent excavators, and some machines for the forestry market.

Komatsu's Chattanooga plant currently has a pre-apprenticeship program that employs high school seniors part-time, allowing them to earn credits toward a full apprenticeship certification through Chattanooga State Community College.

“We have seen the demand for our HM400-5 trucks grow significantly in both the U.S. and Canada, which is why we began producing the trucks here in the U.S.,” said Rod Schrader, Chairman and CEO of Komatsu North America.

“The domestic production of this popular truck supports Komatsu's commitment to jobs and manufacturing in the U.S., and also enables us to contribute far more to the local Chattanooga economy.”

“AEM is honored to partner with Komatsu to host Congressman Chuck Fleischmann as we celebrate the return of production of the HM400 articulated truck to Chattanooga. Today’s event is a vital reminder that equipment manufacturing in the United States is alive and well, with a future destined to create more family-sustaining jobs in America,” said Kip Eideberg, AEM’s senior vice president of government and industry relations.

“As our industry continues to face supply chain disruptions and worker shortages, we need our elected officials to support policies that will help strengthen equipment manufacturing in America. We are grateful to Congressman Fleischmann for his leadership in Congress and his support for policies that will help equipment manufacturers invest in their communities, grow their businesses, and hire more Americans.”

Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment, and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial, and forestry markets. Front-line industries worldwide use Komatsu solutions to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, maintain forests, and create consumer products. To learn more, visit www.komatsu.com