Komatsu-Wanderers partnership reflects commitment to gender diversity

Komatsu Australia says while it is making strong progress towards its gender inclusion targets, it hopes its new partnership with the Western Sydney Wanderers FC women’s team will help more people, especially women, realise career opportunities within the heavy industry.

Managing Director and CEO of Komatsu Australia, Sean Taylor, said the partnership not only aims to shed light on gender diversity in sports and industry, it also reflects the company’s commitment to the local region.

“The Greater Western Sydney area is home to Komatsu in Australia – we established a footprint here in 1967, and have been here ever since,” he said.

“Western Sydney is also home to many of our customers, with over 1,200 Komatsu machines operating in the Greater Western Sydney area.

“By partnering with the Western Sydney Wanderers, we are reinforcing our commitment to this region and its community.”

Komatsu has over 500 staff working from five locations in the Greater Western Sydney area, including its Oceania corporate head office in Fairfield. According to Taylor, there is a strong pipeline of construction and infrastructure activity in the coming years.

In meeting the growing demand, Komatsu is committed to creating job opportunities for women as well as men.

“Importantly, by partnering with the Western Sydney Wanderers FC A-League Women’s team, we are looking forward to breaking stereotypes, as we celebrate the achievements of women and work to increase gender diversity in our own industry,” Taylor said.

“Diversity is good for everyone – for individuals, for communities, and for businesses. Research has shown that diverse and inclusive teams are known to be more creative, more innovative and even more profitable. In fact, the reasons for striving for gender equality are too many to count.”

Komatsu Australia has set a goal to achieve 25 per cent female participation across its Australian workforce by 2025, and has thus far exceeded that target in its Sydney workforce and apprenticeship program.

“Thirty-eight per cent of our apprentices this year are female, and 30 per cent of our Sydney workforce is female. In this traditionally very male-dominated industry, Komatsu and Western Sydney are leading the way on diversity and inclusion,” Taylor said.

Moving forward, the Wanderers’ players will form a key part of Komatsu’s apprentice mentoring program where the company seeks to inspire, develop, attract and retain more females in the business and in the construction sector.

Over the next two seasons, Komatsu will also be featured on the right-sleeve of the Wanderers’ A-League women’s jersey, as well as supporting a range of community initiatives led by the club in the women’s football space.

“Through this partnership with the Western Sydney Wanderers, we want to showcase not only the remarkable female footballers from the Wanderers but shine a light on the opportunities available in our industry,” Taylor said.

“Many are not aware of the diverse roles and exciting career paths available in the construction and mining industry, working with exciting and sustainable technologies.

“From apprentices to engineering, sales, and service technician roles, we want to make sure women are given greater opportunities to make their mark.”

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