Allen Cherrington of Columbus Equipment claimed first place in Komatsu’s 2026 North America Advanced Technician Competition, the company announced March 23. Ten […]
Top technicians from across North America to the Cartersville Customer Center for this year’s ATC competition. Komatsu awarded Allen Cherrington of Columbus Equipment Company with first place. Second place went to Jorge Moreno of Lyle Machinery Co., and third place to Nathan Specht of Komatsu East.
Over two days, competitors put their expertise to the test in three hands-on challenges designed to evaluate advanced troubleshooting and machine inspection skills.
PHOTO: Komatsu North America
Allen Cherrington of Columbus Equipment claimed first place in Komatsu's 2026 North America Advanced Technician Competition, the company announced March 23.
Ten diesel technicians competed over two days at Komatsu's Cartersville Customer Center, where judges evaluated participants on technical capability, work quality and safety protocols.
Jorge Moreno of Lyle Equipment finished second, while Nathan Specht of Komatsu East placed third in the competition.
The finalists advanced through prequalifying events held across North America before arriving in Cartersville for the championship round. Competition events included machine inspection, troubleshooting techniques, customer relations and safety demonstrations.
"Pride in craftsmanship and the resulting success that it helps deliver for fleet managers and business owners is the driving force behind every technician in the Komatsu network — but bragging rights and being recognized among the best are great prizes as well," Griffin Reome, director of technical workforce development at Komatsu.
"Allen, Jorge and Nathan — and all ten finalists — are showcasing how important these careers are. And that these jobs are something to aspire to for anyone who is technically minded, loves building things, and appreciates real craftsmanship and the power of heavy equipment."
PHOTO: Komatsu
Winners received Komatsu-branded prizes and merchandise. The top two finishers also earned access to a Formula 1 pit crew experience at the Miami Grand Prix through Komatsu's partnership with the Atlassian Williams F1 Team.
"Speed, precision, talent, and the combination of peak human performance with extreme technical excellence — we couldn't think of a better way to honor these technicians," Reome said.
The competition aims to recognize skilled technicians within Komatsu's dealer network while highlighting career opportunities in heavy equipment maintenance and repair.
Komatsu manufactures construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry equipment. The company operates through global service and distributor networks.
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