Komatsu to build new HQ, manufacturing campus in Milwaukee, create 400+ jobs

MILWAUKEE -- Komatsu Mining Corp. announced plans on Thursday, Sept. 27 to turn an underused site into a nearly $300 million state-of-the-art headquarters and manufacturing campus -- all of this in a part of Milwaukee's Harbor District. It is a project with the potential to create more than 400 jobs.

Milwaukee's Harbor District is growing and developing, but there is still a lot of transformation needed. That is where Komatsu Mining Corp. comes in.

Rendering of Komatsu Mining Co. new HQ

Jeffrey Dawes, President and CEO of Komatsu Mining Corp.

"The time is right to make a strong investment in the city that's been our home for so many years," said Jeffrey Dawes, president and CEO of Komatsu Mining Corp.

Komatsu is one of Wisconsin's oldest employers, known by many names, including Harnischfeger, J&H Mining, Joy Global, and as of April 2017, Komatsu.

Komatsu will consolidate two current Milwaukee-area facilities -- including an expansive West Milwaukee site into a central location.

Milwaukee Harbor District

"This property to be named South Harbor Campus," Dawes said.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett

The nearly $300 million state-of-the-art headquarters, training and manufacturing facility will be along the Milwaukee riverfront on Greenfield Avenue.

"We are going to have the longest extension of riverwalk in the city's history as part of this project," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

The plan comes with incentives from the state -- $59.5 million in state income tax credits.

Milwaukee Harbor District

Gov. Scott Walker

"It's a very detailed, performance-based mechanism. It's over 12 years and they have to hit or exceed those metrics before they get those tax credits," said Governor Scott Walker.

"It's about creating jobs where people can support their families," Barrett said.

All agreed the employment potential is driving the excitement.

"We're looking at the potential of adding 400 jobs over the next seven years, on top of the approximately 700 good-paying, family-supporting jobs we have here," Walker said.

Gov. Walker said Komatsu could possibly attract up to 800 other jobs related to the work it does. Constructing the new campus, he said, could require more than 2,000 construction workers.

The project is expected to be complete in 2022.