Who are you and what do you do?
David Komacha, I’m the Managing Director of DK Heavy Plant Services and DK Blast and Paint. We service local mines in the Hunter Valley for mechanical and fabrication services. Our services vary from offsite tray and bucket refurbs to onsite breakdowns and everything in between. More importantly though, I’m a husband and a father to two amazing little girls.
Where did you start and how did you end up where you are now?
I started on my own as a sub-contractor to mines in the Hunter working as a plant mechanic. My wife and I ran our business from home. I started to see a demand for experienced mechanics, and this drove me to expand my business to employ others and supply labour to local mine sites. Eventually we outgrew the home office and moved into our workshop at Muswellbrook Industrial Estate. With the facilities the workshop offered we started to vary our workforce to accommodate for offsite mechanical and heavy fabrication services. I got where I am today by working hard – 7 days a week and working long hours – and a lot of hours on the phone!
Describe a typical day at ‘The office’.
I am generally one of the first to arrive. I like to be present at pre-starts and throughout the day and I enjoy talking to everyone in the workshop. Most days I will visit a client on mine sites. This allows me to talk to clients and team members on mine sites.
What’s the best thing about your business?
The best thing about our business is the team. We all work really well together.
What is the big news in your part of the mining industry right now?
Opportunities and potential. The opportunity to grow and develop with the moving market, including the possibility of gaining new clients and branching out into new areas. With the prosperous mining industry at the moment it’s exciting times head!
What is the biggest opportunity for your business right now?
The mining industry is prosperous allowing for opportunities to pursue work in new areas. To grow our business to move with the current market.
What are the biggest challenges facing your business?
There’s not enough time in the day! We have so many ideas and goals it’s hard to accomplish everything we want to!
How long have you been doing business and business in the Valley?
DK Heavy Plant Services has been operating in the Hunter Valley for 3 years.
Community or other causes close to its heart and values?
We have been involved with sponsoring local sports teams and supporting them at community events, raising money for local children with disabilities and we’ve even been involved in local go-cart races. We’ve also supported our employees in charity events they’ve been involved in.
How big is the crew in the Hunter Valley?
We currently have about 70 team members working in the hunter valley.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The challenge. I love working hard and overcoming the challenges that arise within the business. I also enjoy taking on new business opportunities and building them into successful projects.
The worst thing?
Being on call 24/7. My phone never stops ringing. I receive phone calls at all hours about the biggest or smallest issues.
What’s a funny story about work that you can tell?
If you want to hear some funny stories feel free to tag along to our next Social Club event! I’m sure you’ll hear some good ones!
DK Heavy Plant Services…what’s the best thing about it?
The best thing about DK Heavy Plant is the team! The team makes the company! Our success is driven from our team and the community support we receive! We can’t thank you all enough!
