A visit from Atlassian Williams Racing advisor strengthens shared values of innovation and teamwork at Komatsu’s Birtley facility.

On July 9, the Komatsu UK plant in Birtley, had the distinct privilege of hosting Peter Kenyon, Board Advisor for Atlassian Williams Racing. Kenyon's visit offered a unique opportunity for Komatsu’s approximately 400 employees at that location to gain insights from a leader renowned for his success across high-performance environments.  

_{Peter Kenyon takes a closer look at the HB365LC-3 hybrid excavator, a testament to Komatsu's commitment to manufacturing and technology innovation.}

Kenyon, whose illustrious career includes chief executive roles at Premier League football giants Manchester United and Chelsea, immersed himself in the Komatsu world. His visit included a comprehensive tour of the vast 70,000-square-meter covered area of the site, encompassing assembly, fabrication, logistics and the cutting-edge test and demonstration areas. He even got hands-on, operating an HB365 hybrid excavator, a testament to Komatsu's dedication to manufacturing and technology innovation. Throughout the tour, Kenyon engaged directly with employees, gaining a deeper understanding of their expertise and contributions.  

_{Peter Kenyon gets a firsthand look at the advanced technology within the HB365LC-3 hybrid excavator, experiencing the precision and power that define Komatsu's solutions.}

The highlight of the day for many was undoubtedly the two engaging Q&A sessions. Kenyon shared his wealth of experience, offering compelling perspectives on what defines a strong company culture and how to foster it, particularly in fast-paced, high-stakes environments, stressing, “High performance businesses and teams are based on strong values and behaviors.”

He emphasized the critical importance of teamwork, trust and respect, describing culture as something that should be "embedded in the DNA of every company." This resonated deeply with Komatsu's own values: ambition, authenticity, collaboration and perseverance. Komatsu was born from a need to provide work and to empower people. Over the past century, this founding principle has evolved into a deep commitment to building a high-performance culture where every person can thrive. This is a core part of our monozukuri philosophy, a continuous process that involves the entire team in a constant pursuit of innovation. By embracing a culture of continuous improvement, Komatsu encourages a collaborative feedback loop that drives improvements and strengthens collective expertise, much like a team being coached to achieve its full potential.

“Culture is critical,” he said. “If you look at any industry, often times competitor companies are doing the same thing, but the difference is the people.”  

_{Peter Kenyon shares his valuable perspectives on culture and teamwork with Komatsu UK employees, fostering a dynamic dialogue that aligns with our collaborative spirit.}

The partnership between Komatsu and Atlassian Williams Racing is built on a foundation of shared values. Both organizations are driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of technology in their respective fields. Kenyon's insights underscored this alignment, highlighting how a vibrant and cohesive culture is paramount to achieving groundbreaking advancements.

He spoke about how, at times, difficult decisions are necessary for long-term sustainability, and in such moments, leadership with integrity, respect and transparent communication is vital. “What is good for the business is usually good for the employees,” he said. “The key is to find the right balance.”

As Komatsu continues its multi-year partnership with Atlassian Williams Racing, the synergy between the two is clear. This collaboration serves as a powerful beacon for attracting future talent passionate about STEM fields. Just as Williams strives for net-zero by 2030, Komatsu is deeply committed to developing sustainable technologies, showcasing a unified vision for a more sustainable future.

Peter Kenyon's visit was more than just an event; it was a reaffirmation of our collective purpose and shared journey. His anecdotes from the world’s elite sports, coupled with his profound insights on culture, left a lasting impression on the Komatsu team. It was a reminder that while the industries may differ, the core principles of ambition, perseverance, collaboration and authenticity are universal in driving our success.