MANUFACTURER Komatsu UK has appointed a new product manager.

JEREMY CHAPPLE, from Croft-on-Tees, near Darlington, has joined Komatsu, based in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, to develop current and future products.

Mr Chapple has spent a career in the automotive industry, including eight years in powertrain manufacturing engineering and seven years in marketing, as a product and brand manager on Mini, MG, Rover and Chrysler brands.

He said: "I am pleased to be given the chance to help shape Komatsu UK's future product strategy. I hope to be actively involved in developing Komatsu's performance in Europe.

"Komatsu UK designs and manufactures world-class products and invests heavily in its production facilities and workforce. It is an excellent opportunity to develop a great brand."

Managing director of Komatsu UK, Peter Howe, said: "We recognise that to continue to design and manufacture cutting-edge products, we must continue to adapt the way we work and the products we manufacture to meet changing demand.

"We are sure that Jeremy will use his past experience to help us successfully grow our product portfolio, and to boost Komatsu's reputation for innovative design even further."