News
Kobelco USA expands U.S. manufacturing team

January 23, 2017 – Kobelco Construction Machinery USA furthers its dedication to the North American market with the expansion of its U.S. manufacturing team. The Kobelco production facility in Spartanburg, S.C. made several new hires in all operational areas including fabrication, paint, assembly and warehouse.

“This phase of hiring represents a 43-per cent increase in the size of our U.S. production workforce,” says Pete Morita, vice-president, Excavator Division, Kobelco USA. “We plan to aggressively increase overall production and expanding our team of experts is the first step.”

Current mass production at the Kobelco North American facility includes the SK210LC-10 and SK350LC-10 excavator models. Kobelco will increase the facility’s manufacturing capacity in 2017 with the addition of two new models – the SK300LC-10 and SK500LC-10 – as well as 60-ft. booms and arms.

The new employees join Kobelco USA with a combined 120 years of experience in their respective fields. They bring extensive knowledge and a rich history from diversified and well-known companies to their new roles at Kobelco. Each team member will be fully trained to exacting Kobelco quality standards. Assemblers and welders will be trained through the strong partnership Kobelco has with ReadySC and Spartanburg Community College, while paint and warehouse associates will be trained onsite at the Kobelco North American manufacturing facility.

“Kobelco is pleased to welcome our newest group of employees to the US manufacturing team,” says Hiroshi “Rocky” Morita, vice-president of manufacturing at Kobelco USA. “We’re excited to have their passion on board and we look forward to their contributions in producing top quality excavators that are ‘Built in the USA.’”

Kobelco Construction Machinery USA offers industry-leading crawler excavators in the 3,000 lb. to 245,000 lb. classes including zero tail swing, compact, standard, long-reach, mass excavation, and demolition models. Well-known as the excavator authority, Kobelco is committed to producing quality machines with advanced productivity-boosting features and innovative technologies. With premier capabilities such as no time limit power boost and exclusive independent travel, Kobelco machines ensure superior performance and efficiency for the toughest worksite challenges. For more information on Kobelco Construction Machinery USA or Kobelco products, visit www.KOBELCO-USA.com.