Komatsu reaps rewards of leadership training

Investment in leadership and management skills training at one of the region’s best known manufacturers has paid dividends for eight of its employees.

David Newton, Paul Harling, John Lawson, Ian Jackson, Les Parish, Jane Hodgson, Warren Davey and Mark Stephenson , who are all employed at leading excavator manufacturer Komatsu UK’s Birtley plant, have spent the last 18 months gaining new skills and for some, a promotion has followed.

During that time period, each of them participated in a range of workshops and completed a number of work-based assignments.

All activities were carried out as part of formal training provided by local employee development consultant, Aidan Lynn, and which has led to a qualification awarded by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).

Speaking about this latest success by its employees, Tracey Wilson, Komatsu UK’s senior human resources manager said: “Komatsu UK places great emphasis on training employees across all levels of the business because we appreciate that if we are to operate successfully in an increasingly competitive market, and remain at the forefront of our industry, we need to continuously invest in the development of our employees. Employees who undergo this leadership training acquire new skills, thereby equipping them with the ability to make a bigger contribution to the ongoing success of the business.

“This is the second group who have successfully completed the ILM training and such is our belief in the value of the exercise that we are currently preparing to launch the programme to a third cohort. I would like to congratulate all those who have achieved the ILM qualification.”

On hand to present the ILM certificates, Prof Den Wilson, added: “At a time when many organisations have cut back on training and development, credit must go to Komatsu UK for its continued efforts to drive standards across all levels of its business, not least in relation to employee development. The company clearly recognises the potential of its workforce and investing in this type of training to realise that potential, brings many benefits to an organisation and its ongoing success.”

Earlier this year, the manufacturer beat off competition from Greggs and South Tyneside Housing, and was awarded the ‘Regional Excellence in Developing People Award’, presented by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, in recognition of the success of its ongoing commitment to training and development.