Komatsu has opened a new office building and Customer Experience Center in Peoria, Illinois, marking the occasion with a ceremonial tree planting to signal its continued investment in the region.
The facility serves as Komatsu’s surface haulage headquarters and a hub for engineering, innovation, sales, manufacturing management and other functions supporting the company’s global mining business. The investment builds on Komatsu’s presence in Peoria and replaces an office building originally constructed in the 1970s.
“Peoria has long been home to some of the most talented manufacturing and engineering professionals in our industry, and this new facility reflects the important role our team plays in advancing the future of mining,” says Dan Funcannon, senior vice president, surface haulage at Komatsu. “From our work in electric-drive haulage to technologies that support low-emission mining, this site represents our commitment to creating value together with our customers, employees and community for generations to come.”
The facility supports Komatsu’s sustainability goals while providing a collaborative workplace for employees and visitors. It creates a purpose-built environment for cross-functional teams working on next-generation mining technologies and customer engagement, and provides visitors with a dedicated space to experience the company’s capabilities and product innovation through the Customer Experience Center.
The site supports more sustainable operations through renewable energy credits that offset 100% of purchased electricity, a rainwater collection system that reduces water consumption for irrigation, and an approximately 100kW solar array expected to produce about 120,000kWh annually.
The grand opening also highlighted the 980E-5SE, Komatsu’s largest mining truck, displayed at the entrance to the Peoria operations. Built in Peoria, the truck was named the 2024 “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois” in the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association’s Makers Madness competition. The 980E-5SE has a 400-tonne hauling capacity and electric-drive technology.
“Manufacturers make the world a better place to live every single day, and Komatsu is leading by example,” says Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “Using innovative new technologies created in central Illinois, Komatsu is building large mining equipment while also reducing environmental impacts and advancing sustainability. We’re proud that Komatsu is building upon its decades-long commitment to Peoria as it serves customers across the globe.”
Komatsu worked with project partners including EUA and P.J. Hoerr on the new facility. The ceremonial tree planting held during the grand opening served as a symbol of the company’s continued growth in Peoria.
Image: Komatsu
