Fabrication firm Katmex, which has invested over £1m in expanding its production capacity, has again been honoured by a largescale manufacturer.
The Stockton-based firm has been named Supplier of the Year for the second year running by Komatsu UK at its annual supplier conference, attended by delegates representing its supply chain companies.
Katmex, a member of business development organisation NOF, specialises in fabricating and supplying companies across Europe with parts used in the manufacture of heavy earthmoving and construction machinery, including excavators, dump trucks, wheeled loaders, backhoe loaders, forklifts and cranes.
The company, which employs in excess of 200 staff over two sites, has also invested in several key pieces of machinery to meet rising demand.
A new shotblast machine has just been commissioned, while Katmex has added a further CNC machine to bring the total at its Stockton facility to 15.
It has also invested in two new machining centres at its site in Seaham, County Durham, together with a bar fed CNC lathe. In addition, an extension has been added to the side of the building to increase the amount of undercover storage.
The accolade from Komatsu UK, which manufactures medium-sized and large crawler excavators and working gear excavators at its plant in Chester-le-Street, is in recognition of Katmex’s commitment to health and safety, quality, delivery and cost.
David Mitchell, Managing Director of Katmex, said: “This is a very exciting time for Katmex, which is a solely-owned UK SME. The ongoing investment in equipment and infrastructure is already paying dividends through increased production and creating greater efficiencies.
“Our belief in this company is reflected by the fact that we have, for the second year running, been presented with Komatsu UK’s Supplier of the Year award.
“We have a longstanding relationship with Komatsu, and it is gratifying to know that it continues to acknowledge our commitment to delivering outstanding quality and service.”
Paul Livingstone, NOF’s Head of Business Development, said: “Katmex has expressed confidence in both its products and workforce through an ongoing programme of investment and that same confidence in its abilities has again been recognised by one of its largest customers.”
Picture: (L-R) Katmex Managing Director David Mitchell with Systems Controller, Shorna Mitchell, and Finance Manager Lee Cranston, with the award