What is Komatsu?
About this materials handling company:
Komatsu, based in Tokyo Japan, is a heavy equipment manufacturer which makes a variety of industrial machines. That includes:
- Excavators
- Bulldozers
- Wheel loaders
- Trucks
- Motor graders
- Forklifts.
The company says “our product line includes intelligent Machine Control, hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, crawler dozers, off-highway trucks, and motor graders.” Komatsu is the world’s second biggest manufacturer of earthmoving equipment, after Caterpillar. It serves the following industries:
- Construction
- Mining
- Materials handling (forklifts)
- Lumber and Forestry
History of Komatsu
Komatsu Iron Works was started by Takeuchi Mining Industry, a division that made industrial tools for the parent company, however it soon became big enough to spin off. It went public in 1921. In the 1960s, the company began marketing its products in the U.S. This growth resulted in the creation of a U.S. subsidiary in early 1970. Today, Komatsu America Corp. is a subsidiary of global parent Komatsu Ltd. The parent company has a massive global footprint, with a presence in 151 nations around the world. That includes: Japan, United States, China, Africa, Oceania, Middle East and Europe.
The company was named after the city of Komatsu, which is located in the Ishikawa Prefecture of the Hokuriku region in Japan. The name “Komatsu” in English means “little pine tree”. The Japanese monk-emperor Kazan planted a pine sapling during his travels in of the Hokuriku region. The area came to be called “sono no komatsubara”, which means small-pine field with gardens. It was later shortened to become Komatsu.
Used Komatsu Equipment Links*:
Forklift links for Komatsu*
Additional links* related to Komatsu:
- Visit: Komatsu America
- Also see: Komatsu Global
- Komatsu toys*
