Komatsu are a global manufacturer of construction equipment. As part of the companys strategy to manufacture product closer to its marketplace a manufacturing site was chosen in the UK. The site is based at Birtley in Tyne and Wear in the North East of England. The facility went into production in 1987 with a total headcount of 251 staff producing crawler excavators. By 1991 it had increased its headcount to 399 and produced its 3,000 unit.

In 1992 KUK produced its first wheeled excavator and continued to increase its product range to meet the demands of a growing market.

Currently KUK produces 5 variations of the wheeled excavator and 13 of the crawler type excavator with an annual build in excess of 3000 units.  Headcount now stands at 715.

In 2002 Vantec were approached by KUK to discuss the potential of providing off site logistics and warehousing. This resulted in Vantec commencing short-term storage and delivery services. This service level was increased in 2003 when Vantec commenced daily delivery call off service levels.  By 2004 Vantec had extended its service levels to cover in excess of 1200 part numbers.

In addition to the core warehousing services Vantec have also provided consultancy services to KUK. Included in these was a comprehensive audit of all of the material handling operations on the KUK site resulting in a detailed report of findings and recommendations.