Penn College students benefit from Komatsu equipment loans

Published 10.18.2019

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Three pieces of Komatsu construction machinery are on loan to Pennsylvania College of Technology for use at the institution’s heavy equipment operations site in Brady Township.

Operations students at the 125-acre outdoor lab south of main campus are afforded regular access to the wheel loader, bulldozer and excavator through the end of the semester, the latest in Komatsu’s philanthropy on behalf of its future workforce.

“The equipment that Komatsu has provided to us has been a valuable asset to student learning in our operations lab,” said Ryan W. Peck, instructor of diesel equipment technology. “The exposure the students have gotten from this equipment is indescribable in how it has helped prepare them to go into the earth-moving industry.”



Standing before a WA320 wheel loader during its display on main campus – one of three pieces of equipment on loan from Komatsu to Pennsylvania College of Technology – are (from left) Mark Hufcut, Komatsu general manager; Holly Bodnar, marketing manager; student Joseph C. Moore, a heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis major from Lock Haven; Elizabeth A. Biddle, Penn College's director of corporate relations; Donna Evans, regional recruiter for Komatsu; Dave Eister, director of training; and Ryan W. Peck, instructor of diesel equipment technology at the college.Joseph C. Moore, of Lock Haven, enrolled in heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis, concurred.

“Having this brand-new Komatsu equipment here is definitely a huge benefit for us. It gives us the chance to get ‘seat time’ on some cutting-edge technology,” he said. “With all the Tier 4 technology and the huge push on emissions, it’s important for us to have experience with that, as well, before we enter industry, so we definitely appreciate these three pieces of equipment.”

Distributors, many of them allied under the Komatsu America Corp. umbrella, are no stranger to helping Penn College faculty and students meet their instructional goals.

“Komatsu is a strong partner with our programs that create ‘tomorrow makers’ for the heavy construction equipment industry,” said Elizabeth A. Biddle, the college’s director of corporate relations. “We appreciate the continued support of the company that enables our students to learn on some of the newest equipment in industry.”

Komatsu is a leading sponsor of the PA Build My Future event, which annually exposes high school students to a variety of construction careers; consistently provides engines and parts to the School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies; is represented at the college’s twice-yearly Career Fairs; and provides faculty training.

“Having the opportunity to attend Komatsu training in Cartersville, Georgia, this past June was a phenomenal experience,” Peck said. “Learning about the four main product lines that Komatsu offers will aid me in the classroom and labs to enhance student knowledge about Komatsu and its technological advances in manufacturing earth-moving equipment.”

In addition, more than 100 Penn College students were treated to demonstrations, workshops and hands-on exposure during a visit organized by Komatsu distributors last fall.

“We are pleased to be participating in these superior programs being taught at Penn College,” said Dave Eister, director of training for Komatsu. “It is our responsibility and duty to supply equipment and personnel having the latest technology to prepare and support these students for their careers in the construction equipment industry.”

For information about heavy construction equipment technology majors at Penn College, visit the School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies or call 570-327-4516.

For information about the college, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.