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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
SEPTEMBER
2017
54
EARTHMOVING
Measuring approximately 300 000 m
2
in size, the new Komatsu
development will be one of the largest industrial campuses of its
kind in the country.
As the central hub from which Komatsu will direct its extensive
operations in Southern Africa, the ownership and development
of this campus in Gauteng signals the company’s unwavering
commitment to doing business in the region.
“Our head office and support operations are currently conducted
from three different locations, which presents some logistical
challenges. By consolidating all functions into one single campus,
our ability to provide effective and efficient customer service and
support will be further enhanced – with sufficient space for future
expansion,” said Mike Blom, Managing Director of Komatsu
Africa Holdings.
The requirements for the new Komatsu Campus are substantial
and complex; the campus needs to have the space, technology and
capabilities for Komatsu to serve the mining, construction and utility
markets, not only in South Africa, but all of Southern Africa
The project will put Komatsu’s sales and service functions in
an ideal position to capitalise on market resurgence opportunities
within the short, medium and long term. At the same time, it will
serve to improve further the extent of Komatsu’s field and technical
service offerings.
Investec Property, a division of Investec Limited, is one of South
Africa’s best recognised property developers, property investors and
property fund managers. Operating in South Africa for over 40 years,
Investec Property has expanded internationally and has businesses
based in both the United Kingdom and Australia.
Investec Property’s team of experts have provided a turnkey
solution for the entire Komatsu Campus project – from concept and
design, through the land acquisition, to construction and delivery of
the completed developments.
“We are proud of the Komatsu development, which again
demonstrates our ability to serve our client’s specific needs. The
Greenhills property is exceptionally well located and we are proud to
be able to provide Komatsu with a world class facility which will be
their flagship development in Southern Africa,” said David Rosmarin
of Investec Property.
This first phase of development, a state-of-the-art Parts
Distribution Centre measuring approximately 22 000 m
2
, was
completed in just nine months.
The warehouse has the largest floor without a join in the country,
and stands 13 metres from floor to eaves. As a result, semi-
automated turrets operating within the warehouse retrieve items
from the highest access points with an unprecedented degree of
accuracy and safety.
The warehouse floor is an example of excellence in engineering
design, innovation and precision; the entire floor is based on a
post-tensioned cabling system that makes use of 132 kilometres of
steel cable.
The strategic decision by Komatsu to place the concentration of
Southern African operations in one area will unlock some significant
benefits. From a logistics and efficiency perspective, there will be
improved workflow and productivity gains, as well as the oppor-
tunity for face to face communication across all departments.
Further to this, Komatsu will be able to ensure that they have built
to the highest safety standards, ensuring that their employees’
areas of work are safe.
Customers will now have the opportunity to appreciate the entire
Komatsu offering, including products, parts and service capabilities,
in one single location. Another long-term goal for Komatsu
is an operator training area, which will also facilitate product
demonstrations. The new training centre will incorporate a 'hands-
on training dojo' or training area – ensuring greater skills training for
the technical teams of support staff.
“Our long-term dream to create the Komatsu Campus is fast
becoming a reality, and the first phase has gone exceptionally
well. Looking ahead, we will be relocating our Isando Branch,
UNEARTHING NEXT PHASE
Earth-moving equipment giant, Komatsu, has
partnered with Investec Property to consolidate its
head office operations, warehouse and distribution
centres, workshops and remanufacturing facilities
into one centralised campus.
remanufacturing facility and
head office,” concluded Blom.
Construction on Phase 2
started in July 2017. Komatsu
has, since the commencement
of the project, become the
owner of the land, and Investec
Property remains the preferred
developer for the entire project,
which is estimated at over a
billion Rand.
The new Phase 2 unit is
expected to be fully operational
by September 2018. Completion
of the new Komatsu Campus
in its entirety is scheduled for
2021 to coincide with Komatsu’s
100
th
anniversary.
The 300 000 m² Komatsu
Campus site is located in
Tunney, Germiston, Gauteng.