Komatsu Australia hosted its second annual industry supplier forum in November, bringing together 15 senior executives from across its supply chain. The event provided a platform to discuss shared challenges, foster collaboration, and explore critical issues impacting businesses, people and the wider industry.
Three key themes dominated discussions: safety, generational diversity, and environmental, social and governance (ESG). Russell Hodson, Komatsu Australia’s executive general manager of supply chain, highlights the importance of addressing these topics collectively.
“We know these topics are top of the agenda for many businesses, and felt it was important we heard from those in our supply chain, we deal with every day, to connect, learn and collaborate together,” says Hodson.
“Particularly of interest was how we all need to be prepared for the upcoming ESG reporting requirements as we look towards 2026, particularly around Scope 3, and what it means for not only Komatsu but our supply chain partners.”
The forum featured valuable insights from a variety of industry leaders. Team Global Express contributed perspectives on the chain of responsibility within freight and logistics, emphasising the importance of continuous vigilance to ensure road safety during the transportation of heavy equipment. Castrol presented an overview of its PATH30 program aimed at accelerating the move to a more sustainable future. Hudson RPO discussed the importance of intergenerational diversity in the workplace and how to leverage different generational viewpoints to improve industry practices.
“We had representatives from freight and logistics, waste, travel, HR, parts and attachments – all critical players in our supply chain – who welcomed the opportunity to align on these key, and common, topics,” says Hodson.
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Komatsu also took the opportunity to share updates on its own initiatives. The company provided details about its ongoing journey to achieve ISO 45001 accreditation, which is expected to be finalised in the first half of 2025.
“This will mean we will be accredited and recognised globally for our commitment to OH&S in the workplace, and reducing safety hazards, while promoting a safe workforce,” says Hodson. “We also shared learnings as we all plan for mandatory ESG reporting requirements – how we’re collecting and analysing data, and what challenges we’re facing – which was very beneficial to see where we each stand.”
Another topic of focus at the forum was inclusion and diversity. Komatsu shared its efforts to promote intergenerational diversity and discussed its involvement in the Champions of Change coalition. The company also introduced the FOCUSED on Everyday Respect resource, which helps organisations identify and address everyday disrespect while fostering inclusive, safe and productive environments.
Hodson adds that as an industry leader across the mining, construction and utility sectors, it’s important Komatsu brings together key players to discuss issues that impact the way they do business together.
Komatsu’s commitment to a resilient and strong supply chain was further underscored by its recent recognition in the Gartner Supply Chain Top 25. The company secured the third spot in the APAC rankings, which acknowledged its strong revenue growth over the past three years and corporate culture.
“We know that a great product deserves a great supply chain, and our supply chain has been able to support our business through some really challenging times and growth,” says Hodson. “Our three-year weighted average revenue growth was the highest in the APAC top 10, at 19.5 per cent, which is driven by the strong demand for mining equipment with sustained stability in resource prices.”
“We were also acknowledged by Gartner for our corporate culture, where our people exercise autonomy in identifying issues, implementing necessary improvements and innovating through teamwork.
“They also recognised our recently launched Komatsu Global Portal, which improves information sharing and operational transparency with business partners, boosting efficiency and responsiveness.
“Gartner felt these examples all clearly demonstrated our strong commitment [and] ability to provide value across our supply chain, and we’re delighted to have made the top 10 list.”