Did you know that Komatsu has officially opened its Innovation Hub, a part of the new, $48-million Wacol Distribution Centre?
Todd Connolly, General Manager, Business Transformation said that as the company focuses on innovation and technology leadership across all aspects of its business, the Innovation Hub is an addition to the new Wacol Distribution Centre “…that demonstrates Komatsu’s vision to empower a sustainable future where people, businesses and our planet can thrive together.”
“It’s been designed to inspire the next generation of Komatsu employees and management, along with our customers and other stakeholders, to continue our innovation journey along with us,” Mr Connolly said.
A range of interactive exhibits will be showcased at The Innovation Hub demonstrating the company’s latest technologies in mining, quarrying and construction equipment and solutions.
The exhibit covers mining automation, Komatsu Smart Construction, digital services, sustainability, supply chain and a “history lane”.
Mr Connolly added that the exhibit will allow visitors to see the company’s past and vision of the future featuring classic items display of Komatsu equipment as well as prototype all-electric remote control excavators.
“We have live displays of our Komatsu machine population throughout Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia – including location, operating status and machine condition – along with a countdown to our 150th anniversary in 2071.
“There are also opportunities to try out a Komatsu excavator simulator, or see how our Smart Construction offerings are having a direct influence today on the management of our infrastructure and resources projects of tomorrow.”
The 17,500-sqm Wacol Distribution Centre is the first largest facility that the company has constructed thus far. It has created more than 50 new jobs and was commissioned in celebration of the company’s 100th anniversary.
The new distribution centre will allow the company to serve and improve the satisfaction of its more than 3,000 customers across Queensland, the Northern Territory, NSW, New Zealand and New Caledonia.
“Customers in these regions – which includes large mining customers – are currently serviced from our various Brisbane facilities, and by consolidating them into a single operation, we anticipate a marked improvement in customer satisfaction,” Komatsu’s General Manager, Supply Chain Russell Hodson, said.
“The new facility will also be much safer for Komatsu employees and service providers, making use of the latest warehousing technology and systems, including anti-collision systems and full worker/machine separation throughout.
