Komatsu is a Japanese multinational corporation that manufactures construction, mining, and military equipment, as well as industrial equipment like press machines, lasers and thermoelectric generators.[1]
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.[2]
1960s They began exporting products, looking to counteract the postwar image of Japanese products as being cheap and poorly made. [3] Before the company started exporting there is reference in The Engineer 1981/06/18 to it being on the verge of extinction during this time. "They had a firm grip on the Japanese market, but didn't export much."
Caterpillar came to Japan in a joint venture with Mitsubishi, and had the advantage of its high-volume production and technology. Komatsu also felt concern about the quality of products in terms of wear rates and failures was superior to them. Quality Circles were seen as the solution and this crisis campaign brought quick results.[4]
In July 1967, it entered the U.S. market, taking on Caterpillar, the largest bulldozer maker, in its home market.