Komatsu UK, in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, has appointed KEVIN McSTEA as senior manager of its working gear division.

Mr McStea, 48, from South Shields, South Tyneside, started his working life with Swan Hunter, on the Tyne, joining Komatsu UK in 1987 as purchasing engineer.

Promoted to procurement project manager in 1992, he spent time in Belgium with Komatsu Europe International before returning to the UK in 1994, to take up planning and development roles for Komatsu, before taking up his appointment on the senior management team.

Komatsu's Working Gear division designs and manages the production of special application excavators.

Peter Howe, managing director of Komatsu UK, said: "Kevin has worked his way up the ranks and has taken advantage of career development opportunities we have at Komatsu UK.

"He has shown he is committed to the company and its future expansion, and we are delighted that he has remained with us for such a long time. We know he will work hard and push for even more Working Gear success in both the UK and abroad."