Brexit Britain win as global manufacturing giant to create dozens of new UK jobs

Several high profile firms have recently decided to choose Britain as a European base in a snub to several other EU countries, and a win for the post-Brexit economy. The latest in foreign firms coming to the UK was announced by Jefferson MFG, a group claiming to be passionate advocates of the British manufacturing sector, and co-founders of the “Great British Manufacturing” podcast.

Taking to Twitter to reveal the good news, Jefferson MFG said: “Japanese-owned Komatsu, the world’s second-largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, is creating dozens of new jobs and ramping up production at its Birtley plant in County Durham to meet soaring domestic and international demand.”

According to the Kamatsu company website, the firm focuses on the manufacturing and selling of construction, mining, utility, forestry, and industrial machinery.

It has interests and offices located in 81 global locations and employs 61,500 people directly, and a further 11,800 indirectly.

However, in 2021, Kamatsu saw 150 jobs lost in their mining plant in Worcester.

Stuart Baker, from the Unite trade union, said the staff at the former Joy Mining plant in Worcester had been told the work would be moved overseas.

However, a surge in demand for the products has prompted the move to create new jobs.

The world’s second-largest construction and mining equipment manufacturer, celebrating its centenary this year, is expanding its North East workforce and ramping up production to meet increasing domestic and international demand.

Komatsu has a further 20 roles advertised in the factory, including painters, fabricators and assemblers.

Further experienced roles are being advertised in the Design team and other support functions.

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“Everyone is aware that if you demonstrate ability, drive and determination, Komatsu provides opportunities for every employee to develop.

“I began my Komatsu career as a raw 16-year-old apprentice, but always recognised the opportunity that working somewhere as Komatsu offered.

“The business apprenticeship programme is full of amazing success stories and countless former apprentices have gone on to forge long, successful careers here, with many progressing to senior positions.

“It certainly helped me, in a well-structured way, transition from full-time education into a work-placed environment.

“Through great mentorship and training, I was able to learn the skills required to start a career in engineering and always have a career path ahead of me to keep me motivated.”

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The company’s new cohort of 10 apprentices will be hoping to emulate Mr Callaghan’s success, as they settle into the KUK Apprenticeship Scheme, which will see them develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to succeed at Komatsu.

The company currently employs around 450 people in Britain.