Komatsu plans Moss Vale closure by 2030, affecting about 265 jobs

Komatsu plans to phase out operations at its Moss Vale mining-equipment plant by 2030, affecting about 265 jobs in the NSW Southern Highlands. The company said there would be no immediate changes for employees.

Work is to shift to Rutherford in the Hunter Valley and Rockhampton in Queensland, with some fabrication and machining outsourced to Australian suppliers. The company said the restructure would simplify operations and reflect changes in the market.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union said staff were shocked and that job losses would occur in stages. It separately said original-equipment work would move to China.

Local business representatives warned of effects on household spending, suppliers and other employers. The closure is a staged plan through 2030, not the immediate loss of every job at the site.