Komatsu shifts truck model’s production to Chattanooga

Production of the HM400-5 articulated truck now takes place in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Photo: Komatsu

Komatsu is now producing the HM400-5 articulated haul truck model at its factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

While the trucks were produced in Chattanooga in the mid-2000s, production shifted in 2009 to Komatsu’s plant in Ibaraki, Japan, where it remained until 2023.

“We have seen the demand for our HM400-5 trucks grow significantly in both the U.S. and Canada, which is why we began producing the trucks here in the U.S.,” says Rod Schrader, chairman and CEO of Komatsu North America. “The domestic production of this popular truck supports Komatsu’s commitment to jobs and manufacturing in the U.S., and also enables us to contribute far more to the local Chattanooga economy.”

Used primarily in construction, quarry and mining applications, Komatsu says the HM400-5 is designed to move material across challenging terrain while delivering productive, consistent performance for operators of all experience levels. To celebrate the new production line, Komatsu and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers hosted Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tennessee) along with other state and local officials for a launch event at the Chattanooga plant.

“For years, Komatsu has been a proud member of our Chattanooga-area community, providing hundreds of good-paying jobs and generating a massive economic impact for Chattanooga and Tennessee,” Fleischmann says. “Bringing back production of Komatsu’s HM400-5 trucks is another sign of our strong local workforce and shows the confidence business leaders have in Chattanooga’s economy and our values of hard work, low taxes and free enterprise. I am excited that Komatsu is expanding their operations here in Chattanooga and investing in our community.”

In addition to HM400-5 trucks, Komatsu’s Chattanooga plant produces midsize hydraulic excavators and intelligent excavators, as well as some machines for the forestry market. About 525 people are employed at the Chattanooga campus. Of those employees, 425 are part of the manufacturing operation while 100 work for other divisions of Komatsu.