Move on up – trio of new roles at Komatsu UK

Komatsu UK, a global leader in construction machinery manufacturing, has promoted employees into management roles, as the company looks towards a successful 2021.

Michael Redshaw, 36, who started out at Komatsu as a 16-year-old apprentice straight from school, is moving up the career ladder and has been appointed Purchasing Manager, while two former graduate engineers have also achieved manager roles. Robert Gibson, 29, has become Quality Assurance Manager, and Mark Dawson, 38, is the new Planning Manager.

Tracey Bowman, Director of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at Komatsu UK, said the appointments were the perfect way to start the new year with positivity.

“Michael, Robert and Mark are three fantastic employees, who have excelled in previous roles and I’m certain they’ll bring that same innovation, determination and enthusiasm to their new positions.”

From left to right Michael Redshaw, Mark Dawson and Robert Gibson.

Whilst progressing his career in Komatsu, Michael, from Chester-le-Street, has travelled the globe visiting China, Africa, and most European countries as well as Japan, where he represented Komatsu UK to participate in the Komatsu Worldwide Quality Circle competition.

He said: “There is always opportunity at Komatsu whether that’s to progress your career or to see the world, and I’m lucky enough to have done both since joining the business in 2000, straight from school.

“I have gained qualifications and new skills as I’ve worked across the business and I think it’s important that anyone who is starting with Komatsu now can plot their progression and see former apprentices who have successfully climbed the ladder into management roles.”

Mark Dawson, of Newcastle, joined the firm in 2003 as a graduate engineer, after studying at Newcastle University.

He said: “Komatsu’s support has been so important to my professional development, identifying training requirements and the opportunity to attend various technical training courses, particularly my diploma in Leadership and Management, which was a huge help in preparation for a management role.

“I also had the fantastic experience of working abroad, as Komatsu provided me with the opportunity to work in Hannover, Germany, for two years. It’s a fantastic company to work for.”

Originally from Doncaster, Robert Gibson, 29, settled in the North East after studying at Newcastle University, joining Komatsu as a graduate engineer in 2014.

He said: “The Komatsu graduate training programme is amazing and has given me the opportunity to develop in the various roles I’ve held. It’s incredibly reassuring to work for a company that really invests in the development of its employees.

“As Quality Assurance Manager, I’ll be responsible for product quality at Komatsu UK. That’s quality of service, inspection of incoming materials and components, the quality of manufacturing processes, and aftersales for distributors and customers. It’s quite a role! I can’t thank Komatsu enough for their commitment to me, and I’m determined to repay the faith they have shown in me.”

Komatsu UK Managing Director, Paul Blanchard, said: “Michael, Mark and Robert are three excellent employees. I’m delighted that the dedication and work ethic they have demonstrated throughout their time with Komatsu has been rewarded with these new roles and I wish them continued success in their careers.

“There are no barriers to progression at Komatsu, and the business supports employees to develop to the best of their ability.”

Komatsu has delivered the highest quality excavators since establishing the plant in 1987, when it helped redefine modern manufacturing in the North East, establishing a range of Japanese practices and ways of working unheard of in most UK plants.

Originally creating 250 high quality manufacturing and engineering roles, Komatsu was at the forefront of the creation of a whole new industry in the North East that centered around automotive and construction equipment manufacturing.

Thirty four years on, the firm remains at the forefront of manufacturing excellence. Testament to the company’s reputation as an excellent employer. For more information on Komatsu UK, visit www.komatsu.co.uk