Sanctions imposed on Russia by multiple countries are shaping the operations of Komatsu Manufacturing Rus LLC, the Moscow-based arm of the Japanese construction equipment maker Komatsu. In a statement released by the Yaroslavl regional authorities, Hosoya Kazushi, the managing director of Komatsu Manufacturing Rus LLC, explained that the company’s Yaroslavl plant continues to operate despite the geopolitical and economic pressures. He emphasized that the sanctions have disrupted certain workflows and supply chains, but the regional factory remains active and committed to its local commitments. Kazushi noted that in response to shifting business needs, adjustments will be made to the workforce, with a planned reduction of about 300 positions. He reassured stakeholders that all legally required payments and severance will be provided to affected employees as mandated by law and local regulations.
The CEO reiterated that Komatsu’s presence in the Yaroslavl region is not being curtailed wholesale. The broader goal is to maintain production continuity while adapting to a changing external environment. In practical terms, this means rebalancing the workforce to align with demand and supply constraints, while continuing ongoing commitments to customers and regional partners. The company asserts that its operations in Russia will persist for the time being, subject to the evolving sanctions regime and market conditions. The leadership indicated that any future decisions will be guided by a careful assessment of risks, assets, and long-term strategic interests in the Russian market.
On December 5, Hiroyuka Ogawa, the chief executive of the Japanese construction group, acknowledged that Komatsu has not yet ruled out exiting the Russian market outright. He commented that the sanctions’ impact on Moscow has introduced considerable uncertainty for a multinational with a broad global footprint. Ogawa underscored that the company monitors the situation closely and will revisit the strategic posture if the sanctions landscape or the domestic environment imposes constraints that jeopardize the viability of the business. While a withdrawal is not immediate, Ogawa indicated that future developments could prompt a reassessment of assets in Russia and could influence how the group manages its regional operations, including those in Yaroslavl. According to company sources, any potential decision would consider the implications for employees, regional suppliers, and the broader industrial ecosystem in which Komatsu operates. In North American and Canadian markets, industry observers note that such sanctions-driven shifts can affect equipment availability, maintenance cycles, and long-term capital expenditure plans for construction and mining projects. The company expresses a commitment to transparent communication with stakeholders in North America while managing its global risk exposure. (Cited from Komatsu press materials and regional government statements.)