Keith Allmandinger describes FR during presentation in Newberry. PHOTO: Komatsu Forklift USA LLC

North American dealers for Komatsu forklifts received encouragement from senior officials and saw the newest products during meetings between 2-4 November.

Mamoru Hironaka expressed Komatsu's desire to continue to strengthen the relationship between Komatsu and its dealers and to work closely with the dealers to design future products that will effectively meet customer needs. Hironaka is senior executive officer of Tokyo-based parent firm Komatsu Ltd and president of the firm's utility equipment division.

Dave Grzelak talked to the approximately 140 US and Canadian attendees about the ongoing integration of Komatsu Forklift USA LLC into the Komatsu America Corp (KAC) family and about future growth and product strategies. Grzelak is chairman and chief executive officer of KAC, with headquarters and finance offices in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.

The 2011 Komatsu Forklift North American dealer meeting took place primarily at the Ballantyne Hotel in Charlotte with a road trip to Newberry, South Carolina for a visit to the 10-year-old Komatsu Newberry manufacturing operation. In addition to forklifts, the KAC site makes backhoe loaders, skid steer loaders, excavators and wheel loaders.

Dealers toured the facility and were guided through walk-around opportunities to inspect the newest Komatsu forklift products, including the FR Series single- and double-reach trucks and the AX50 cushion-tyre internal-combustion forklift. Komatsu introduced the FR Series in late October to give dealers a reach truck line. The AX50 is returning to the Komatsu product line after a two-year absence.

"Akira Yamakawa, Komatsu Forklift USA president, was very pleased with the dealer participation and felt that dealers left the meeting with a very positive feeling about Komatsu and the future," says spokesman Keith Allmandinger, senior marketing manager.

Komatsu Ltd regional subsidiary KAC oversees 12 equipment manufacturing, marketing, financing and distribution facilities including the Newberry plant. KAC has more than 30 North American corporate entities, including Komatsu Forklift USA.