Komatsu has marked a major milestone with the delivery of the first WA700-8 wheel loader across New Zealand and Australia, supplied to Golden Bay Cement, New Zealand’s longest-standing cement manufacturer.
Golden Bay Cement operates the country’s only fully integrated cement manufacturing plant, located in Portland, near Whangārei on New Zealand’s North Island. They produce high-quality clinker and cement used in a wide range of construction and infrastructure projects across the country, with a current fleet of 11 Komatsu machines.
Golden Bay is committed to sustainability, aiming to reduce their carbon footprint by 30% by 2030 — a goal that closely aligns with Komatsu’s own values of environmental responsibility.
Tony Warren, Golden Bay’s Quarry Manager for Portland, says the company is focused on finding practical ways to reduce emissions while maintaining efficient production.
“One of the reasons we invested in the WA700-8 loader is its improved fuel efficiency, which directly supports our sustainability goals. When we produce the clinker material, we burn limestone in a kiln using a combination of coal, used tyres and wood waste, and the loader is used to load material from various outputs across the quarry to create the right blend for cement production.
“Some parts of the quarry are less usable on their own, but by blending material from different areas, we can reduce waste and make use of the whole product. The loader’s ability to efficiently move across the site has been a real asset in that process,” Tony says.
Nick Vrontas, Komatsu’s National Business Manager for Quarries, says the WA700-8 has been thoughtfully engineered to meet the unique demands of heavy-duty operations, such as Golden Bay’s, while lowering fuel consumption and reducing environmental impact.
“Fuel efficiency has been a major priority in the WA700-8’s design. With up to 8% improved fuel efficiency over the previous model, the loader offers an opportunity to cut operational costs while supporting more sustainable practices,” Nick says.
At the heart of the WA700-8 is a powerful 578 kW engine, which provides the muscle needed for the toughest applications. The model delivers 15% more torque than its predecessor, coupled with an increased bucket capacity to significantly enhance production rates.
Designed for durability in demanding conditions, the WA700-8 features a reinforced frame and upgraded loader linkage, ensuring long-term reliability and consistent performance even in the toughest environments.
Operator safety and comfort were also front of mind during development, with a spacious, ergonomically designed cabin with advanced joystick steering and intuitive controls to promote greater comfort and productivity during long shifts.
Nick adds that the WA700-8 offers a suite of smart features to support operator performance.
“Features such as Automatic Dig, Semi-Automatic Approach, and Semi-Auto Dump have been developed to enhance efficiency and reduce operator fatigue.
“The WA700-8 represents Komatsu’s dedication to providing innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions for our customers. We’re excited to introduce the first of its kind to the Oceania region and see it supporting Golden Bay Cement’s focus on sustainability and efficiency,” Nick says.