Komatsu Mining plans to phase out operations at its Moss Vale plant in the NSW Southern Highlands before a scheduled closure in 2030, with about 265 jobs to go, ABC Illawarra reported on 11 November 2026. The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union said workers were blindsided by the announcement.

Komatsu said in a media release that it would shift work to Rutherford in the NSW Hunter Valley and Rockhampton in Central Queensland, and outsource some fabrication and machining to Australian suppliers. Executive Helen Gibson said there would be no immediate changes for employees. The union said Komatsu told worker representatives that original equipment work would move to China and that the job losses would be scheduled in six phases through to 2030. The union also said the Rutherford site would lose some work.

Business Southern Highlands chair Greg Welsh estimated the region could lose about $20 million a year in household spending if workers and families leave. NSW Domestic Manufacturing Minister Courtney Houssos said she was disappointed and would monitor the impact. Federal Whitlam MP Carol Berry said she would meet Komatsu on Thursday, and Wingecarribee Mayor Erin Foley said council would seek a meeting with the company.