Mitsuru Ueno with new Komatsu CEO Jens Bengtsson
On April 1, 2020 Jens Bengtsson took up his new position as CEO of Komatsu Forest AB, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of forest machines and related services and accessories. Source: Timberbiz
Mr Bengtsson has worked in the company for 11 years.
“I am very honored to be given this role and very humbled by the tasks that lie ahead,” he said. “I take up my new position at a time that is very turbulent due to the Corona pandemic. The whole world is doing its best to deal with this unusual situation.
“We as a company have recently announced that we are temporarily closing our production for three weeks to adapt to the prevailing circumstances, and then, if restrictions permit, gradually increase production again in the (northern) spring.”
Komatsu Forest has had a strong development for several years, where the company has constantly grown.
“Despite the current circumstances, we are confident that demand for forest machinery equipment will continue to drive growth in our business and we have great potential to continue growing.
“Right now, it is impossible to say how the forest industry will be affected by the current situation, but in the long term we see great potential.”
Former CEO Mitsuru Ueno is taking on a new role as Senior Fellow for the Forest Division of parent company Komatsu Ltd.
During his time as CEO, he has had two important focus areas; to ensure a new production facility with a safe and good working environment, that is prepared for an upcoming expansion of the business, and to broaden the forest machine business through strategic acquisitions such as Quadco, Southstar, TimberPro and Oryx Simulations.
In order for our business to continue to grow, it was decided in 2019 to invest in a brand-new factory in Umeå. The decision was particularly exciting as it is rare for new factories to be built in that part of the world.
With his strong commitment and work, Mr Ueno has made the project possible.
“We now have great opportunity to have a modern and safe production facility prepared for us to grow, while at the same time uniting the dispersed operations in Umeå,”Mr Bengtsson said.
