Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17) visited Komatsu's Peoria facility on Wednesday, May 29, to meet with employees and talk about the top issues impacting equipment manufacturers. Komatsu’s Peoria operations is responsible for manufacturing the company’s 200- to 400-ton capacity electric dump trucks for the global mining industry.

Bustos toured the facility and learned about its unique operations. She also held a Q&A session with employees, giving them the opportunity to ask her about important topics like workforce development, including career and technical education.

The visit is the latest of a series of events AEM’s grassroots campaign I Make America hosts each year with member companies. The campaign works to engage industry workers and inform elected officials about the equipment manufacturing industry’s impact to the U.S. economy through grassroots advocacy efforts.

“I had a blast seeing Komatsu’s facilities and getting a firsthand look at their manufacturing capabilities,” said Bustos. “They are an important part of Peoria’s community and contribute a great deal to the economic health of our region. I thank them for having me today and for all of their excellent work.”

“It was wonderful to have Representative Bustos visit our Peoria operation to discuss the need for significant infrastructure investment and the opportunities it would create,” said Jim Mathis, Peoria Plant Manager for Komatsu.