ELLIOT LAKE - In a surprising move, Komatsu, on 1 Roger Lane in Elliot Lake has closed its operations permanently, affecting many of its 45 employees as of October 30.
Mason Raube, manager of public relations said, “Komatsu is aligning and strengthening its underground hard rock business by centralizing manufacturing and service operations at its Sudbury, Ontario facilities.”
As part of this transition, “Komatsu will permanently consolidate operations from the Elliot Lake, facility, which the company added in 2019 through the Timberock acquisition, to its Sudbury facilities.”
Raube added, “Some employees will remain employed with Komatsu, while the closure will unfortunately impact others.”
Komatsu leaders informed employees today in an in-person meeting and hosted one on one employee meetings with Komatsu human resource representatives.
“Komatsu leadership is committed to supporting affected employees with resources including employment support services and transparent communication throughout the transition.”
Komatsu focuses on creating and delivering technologies, equipment, and services specifically designed for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial, and forestry industries.
In the summer of 2019, Komatsu acquired the company formerly known as Timberock International Ltd., in order to enhance the development of its hard rock drilling and bolting solutions for mining clients globally
This sudden decision will affect all employees of the company, as some must now relocate to Sudbury, and other's will be looking for work elsewhere, impacting dozens of families.