Komatsu unveils historic P&H 2100BL shovel monument at Elko, Nevada facility

October 10, 2025 -- Komatsu proudly announces the arrival of a P&H 2100BL electric rope shovel to serve as a landmark at its Elko, Nevada, campus. A symbol of engineering excellence and mining innovation, the shovel has been relocated from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to serve as a monument to the legacy of P&H Mining Equipment and that company’s long history of manufacturing in the U.S.

The P&H 2100BL, manufactured in 1979, has played a significant role in mining operations for more than four decades. Now standing prominently in front of the Elko facility, the machine is as tall as a five-story building and weighs over one million pounds. Its visibility from I-80 makes it a striking testament to the industry’s progress and the impact of Komatsu’s equipment in the mining sector.

“The P&H 2100BL electric shovel is a remarkable piece of engineering. Its journey from Milwaukee to Elko marks a significant moment in our company's history,” said Tom Suess, Komatsu’s Vice President and General Manager for U.S. Mining Distribution. “This machine will now be prominently displayed in front of our Elko facility, symbolizing the evolution of mining technology, the enduring legacy of P&H Mining Equipment, and Komatsu’s deep connection to and pride in being part of the Elko community. We are excited to share this iconic shovel with the community and celebrate its past and future contributions to the industry.”

Komatsu’s Elko service center is a state-of-the-art facility and regional hub for mining and construction support. Since initiating development of the site, Komatsu has invested a total of $57 million to build and expand the facility in response to customer needs. The service center, which officially opened in 2019, is equipped to service haul trucks, hydraulic shovels, electric rope shovels and other mining support equipment. In 2023, Komatsu further reinforced its presence in Elko with the addition of a 50,000-square-foot warehouse, enhancing parts availability for local mining and construction operations.

The arrival of the P&H 2100BL monument underscores Komatsu’s commitment to honoring its past while continuing to advance mining technology. The community is invited to visit and experience this historic machine up close, offering a unique opportunity for families and industry professionals alike to appreciate the evolution of mining equipment.

About Komatsu

Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. For more than a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Front-line industries worldwide use Komatsu solutions to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, manage forests and create consumer products. The company's global service and distributor networks support customer operations to help enhance safety and promote productivity while working to optimize performance.

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