---
title: Komatsu puts UK manufacturing in the spotlight with Birtley-built PC220
description: Komatsu's Birtley facility leads in UK manufacturing with the launch of the PC220 excavator, showcasing advanced technology and commitment to sustainability.
image: https://thecea.org.uk/hubfs/H3hEA7g4ijVa5gljje8nEzvJfcc0O0RQMYj8KN8L.webp
---

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 May 19, 2026

# Komatsu puts UK manufacturing in the spotlight with Birtley-built PC220

    Louise Carney  ·   1 minute read

Komatsu’s Birtley facility is playing a central role in the production of the new PC220 excavator, placing the North East site at the heart of one of the manufacturer’s latest machine launches.

The new model is being built by Komatsu UK’s production team, with more than 200 employees involved in bringing the excavator through the line. The PC220 has been developed with a focus on fuel efficiency, low emissions, performance, safety, operator comfort and digital capability.

For Komatsu, the decision to build the machine at Birtley reflects the strength of the company’s UK manufacturing base and the skills within its North East workforce. The production line supports skilled jobs and apprenticeships, while also showing how construction equipment manufacturing is changing as machines become cleaner, more connected and more software-led.

To support production of the PC220, Komatsu UK has invested in new manufacturing technology at the site, including precision scanning equipment in fabrication and laser-based systems in assembly. Employees have also been trained in new digital tools linked to the increasingly advanced nature of modern construction machinery.

Paul Dickinson, crawler excavator product manager at Komatsu Europe, said: “This milestone demonstrates Komatsu’s ongoing confidence in the North East and the capabilities of our people. Producing our most advanced machine here highlights the quality, expertise and commitment that exists within our UK workforce.

“At Komatsu UK, our customers and distributors value the advantages of local European production. By manufacturing closer to our markets, we not only shorten supply lead times but also significantly reduce product mileage and associated CO2 emissions.

“Our UK facility amplifies Komatsu’s unwavering commitment to quality and reliability, while reinforcing our core principle of creating value together with our customers.”

Komatsu has had a presence in Gateshead for more than 40 years. Its latest accounts, covering the period to the end of March 2025, showed turnover rising to £173.2 million, with operating profits broadly similar at £4.68 million. The business employs more than 420 people, including around 225 in production.

For the CEA, the announcement is a positive reminder of the continued strength of UK-based construction equipment manufacturing. It also highlights the role that established manufacturers such as Komatsu continue to play in supporting regional employment, apprenticeships, engineering capability and the development of cleaner, more efficient machines for the sector.

![H3hEA7g4ijVa5gljje8nEzvJfcc0O0RQMYj8KN8L](https://thecea.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/H3hEA7g4ijVa5gljje8nEzvJfcc0O0RQMYj8KN8L.webp?width=1860&height=870&name=H3hEA7g4ijVa5gljje8nEzvJfcc0O0RQMYj8KN8L.webp)

 

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