This month in 1921 a legend was born. The name Komatsu would become synonymous with success, vision and quality. The story begins long before the company was called Komatsu. The founder of the company Meitaro Takeuchi had inherited his father’s philosophy that education and mechanisation were key to Japan’s future. He set out on a life long journey to bring the industrial revolution to Japan ensuring the country’s prosperity well into the future. Over the next 20 years Meitaro sent his staff to the US and England to learn new techniques whilst he purchased machines to improve mine efficiency. The results of his efforts were demonstrated by the increase in mine production from 60,000 t to 220,000 t within five years.

By 1921 Meitaro put together a group of investors and on May 13, Komatsu Manufacturing Co Ltd was established. Meitaro Takeuchi was a major stockholder in the newly established company and his philosophy and humanitarian focus carries on in Komatsu to this day.

From its inception in 1921, Komatsu has grown from strength to strength. With staff numbers at 127 during inception including six directors to the current day where Komatsu is one of the largest organisations in the world; with 46,000 employees spread across offices in every corner of the globe.

In 2021, Komatsu will celebrate 100 years of achievement.