Birtley’s Komatsu UK digs in for future with 80-job plan

An excavator maker is creating more than 80 jobs to dig the foundations for post-pandemic success.

Komatsu UK says it wants staff to help deliver new domestic and European orders.

It is also recruiting ten apprentices.

Bosses say roles will cover factory and support department operations, including production, assembly, welding and fabrication, purchasing, design and logistics.

The jobs push is being overseen by Komatsu UK HR manager Katie O’Brien, pictured above, who joined the Birtley-based business in March.

She said: “We have so far filled around half of the roles across both production and support departments, and our focus now is on finding the right people for the remaining vacancies.

“Komatsu UK offers people a fantastic career with genuine pathways to develop skills and access promotion opportunities.”

Paul Blanchard, Komatsu UK managing director, added: “Like all businesses, we have had to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances caused by the pandemic throughout 2020 and into 2021.

“And it is credit to all employees that, as we emerge from such a turbulent period in history, we remain in a healthy and robust position.

“We take great pride in the way we invest in the development of our employees.

“Everyone we take on in the coming months will be offered not only a varied and exciting career, but also the chance to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills and become part of a focused, committed workforce that has been part of the economic fabric of the North East for the past 34 years.”

The global Komatsu company this year celebrates its 100^th anniversary, with the occasion marked by the planting of ten cherry blossom trees and a floral display at the entrance to its Birtley plant.