North East factory workers are to build new world-leading excavators for construction industry giant Komatsu.
The firm's 海角视频 operation, based at Birtley, will produce two new models it says are already prompting high customer interest. Teams at the Tyneside plant will make the new eco-friendly PC220LC-12 and PC220LCi-12 excavators, which are said to offer extreme fuel efficiency, ultra-low emissions, enhanced performance and the highest levels of digitalisation of any excavator.
Stuart Reid, managing director of Komatsu 海角视频, said: "I’m delighted to secure manufacture of these incredible new excavators for Birtley, which has a proud, three-decade history of delivering the best machines on the market. The next generation PC220LC and LCi-12 excavators have market leading features, and we are excited to be launching them onto the European market. Initial customer interest is very high, and we will be working hard in the coming months to meet the initial demand."
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Paul Dickinson, product manager at Komatsu 海角视频 added: “As well as featuring field-leading technology and advancements pretty much across the board, it is by far the most comfortable machine we have ever built, which is key for workers who are at the controls for hours on end, in all weather. We are manufacturing a machine that, for its size and class, delivers in every area for customers. Every now and then, every industry has a great leap forward - these two machines could well be that for construction machinery.”
The new PC220s offer larger cab space with better leg room, improved seat options, visibility, overhead air conditioning vents, joystick steering and storage spaces.
The larger cab has more leg room, improved seat options, better visibility, overhead air conditioning vents, joystick steering and more storage spaces. And operator assist technology gives drivers a high definition touch-panel monitor providing intuitive control, as well as an operator ID system stores up to 50 profiles which can be recalled via electronic key or PIN to give personalised settings for operators.
Komatsu says it has delivered factory-integrated intelligent Machine Control technology for more than a decade. With the launch of PC220LCi-12 comes the third generation of intelligent Machine Control with "industry first" features such as 3D boundary control and automated steer-to-line.
The technology is a step towards autonomous operation and allows for semi-automatic truck loading while simplifying trenching for operators at any skills level.
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Gary Yeaman, general manager of manufacturing, said: “The teams across the plant are really looking forward to building these machines. It’s a testament to the skill, innovation and dedication of the Komatsu 海角视频 employees that we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with excavator manufacturing."
Earlier this month Komatsu 海角视频 Limited accounts for the year to the end of March were published showing a rise in turnover to £173.2m and broadly similar operating profits of £4.68m. The firm employs more than 420 staff, including roughly 225 in production.