Komatsu
 Komatsu  (Corporation)    | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Formation | 1921 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan |
| Staff | 46,730 |
| In 1996 Komatsu developed a nano-thermite demolition patent that could "demolish a concrete structure at high efficiency, while preventing noise and flying chips". | |
Komatsu Ltd. is a Japanese multinational corporation that manufactures construction, mining, forestry and military equipment, as well as diesel engines and industrial equipment like press machines, lasers and thermoelectric generators. Its headquarters are in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Worldwide, the Komatsu Group consists of Komatsu Ltd. and 258 other companies.
Komatsu is the world's second largest manufacturer of construction equipment and mining equipment after Caterpillar. However, in some areas (Japan, China), Komatsu has a larger share than Caterpillar. It has manufacturing operations in Japan, Asia, Americas and Europe.
History
Komatsu Iron Works was started by Takeuchi Mining Industry as a subsidiary to make industrial tools for the parent company. Komatsu eventually became large enough to sell to the public, and was spun off on May 13, 1921 as Komatsu Ltd and founded by Meitaro Takeuchi.
Komatsu produced its first agricultural tractor prototype in 1931. Through the 1930s, Komatsu also produced tractors for the Japanese military, as well as bulldozers, tanks and howitzers. After World War II, under its new president Yoshinari Kawai, Komatsu added non-military bulldozers and forklifts to its line of equipment. In 1949 it began production of its first diesel engine. Its growth as a company was aided by the strong demand for its bulldozers during Japan's post-war reconstruction in the 1950s. In August 1951 the corporate headquarters were moved to Tokyo. By 1957 the company had advanced technologically to the point that all its models were using Komatsu engines.[1]
Activities
In 1996 Komatsu developed a nano-thermite demolition patent that could "demolish a concrete structure at high efficiency, while preventing noise and flying chips".[2] Paul Bremer was on the board.
References
- ↑ Haycraft, William R. (2000) Yellow Steel: The Story of the Earthmoving Equipment Industry University of Illinois Press, Urbana, Illinois, pages 183-184
- ↑ http://911review.com/articles/ryan/demolition_access_p1.html
