History | Komatsu

Our company was named after the city Komatsu, located in the Ishikawa Prefecture of the Hokuriku region in Japan. The actual name "Komatsu" translates into English as "little pine tree".

When "Komatsu Iron Works" separated from "Takeuchi Mining Co." in 1921 to become "Komatsu Ltd.", the first logo that was chosen to represent the new-born company also symbolised this small pine tree. Our logo underwent many modifications over the years, but remained faithful to its original "little pine tree" look until the late nineteen-nineties, when a major change was decided, and the current lettering adopted.

Today, the Komatsu logo is still the most basic design representing the Komatsu brand. It reflects the Komatsu image of reliability, stability, and strength. The well-balanced sophistication of the logo, the unique design of the letter "T" and the deep, vivid Gloria Blue colour symbolize a bold corporate character and a leader in technological innovation.

From these beginnings, the brand has grown to become a global force, with manufacturing facilities and distribution centres in the Americas, Europe (CIS), Asia, Middle East and Africa, China and Japan.

Komatsu has developed the world’s most extensive range of earthmoving, mining, construction and utility equipment, all of which are marketed, serviced and supported throughout Southern Africa.

KOMATSU Construction Machinery

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Events related to corporate information

Events related to products

1960's

1962

Illings displays a Komatsu D80-6 bulldozer at the Rand Easter Show.

1963

Illings sells D80-6 and D50-11 bulldozers in South Africa.

1969

Illings is bought by Anglo American from holding company McCarthy Rodway.

1970's

1970

Komatsu Ltd opens a liaison office in Johannesburg.

1976

Anglo American and Chrysler announce the formation of the Sigma Motor Corporation. Illings is incorporated into the new company.

1979

Sigma Power Corporation is established as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sigma Motor Corporation and the official Komatsu distributor.

1980's

1984

Sigma Power Corporation establishes the first national Parts Distribution Centre (PDC) in Port Elizabeth.

1986

Introduction of Komatfin finance facilities.

1990's

1991

Formation of Komdresco, a joint venture between Netherlands-registered Indresco and Amquip (Pty) Ltd.

1995

Komatsu Ltd acquires 50% of Komdresco and Komatsu Southern Africa is established.

1997

Komatsu Ltd increases its shareholding to 80%, with the remaining 20% acquired by the Itochu Corporation.

1997

Komatsu Botswana is established as a subsidiary company.

1998

Komatsu Namibia is established as a subsidiary company.

1999

Komatsu South Africa becomes a global repair and Remanufacturing centre alongside the United States, Indonesia, Japan, Australia and the UK.

2000's

2001

Komatsu’s global business marks the 80th anniversary of its founding company, Komatsu Iron Works.

2003

Komatsu Ltd grants Komatsu Southern Africa regional responsibility for neighbouring markets, including Angola, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

2003

Komatsu Southern Africa receives the greatest honour that can be bestowed by Komatsu Ltd, the Presidential Award. This is granted in recognition of the company’s outstanding marketing achievements.

2005

Komatsu Namibia Mining is established as a subsidiary company.

2010's

2010

Komatsu Zambia is established as a subsidiary company.

2012

The unveiling of the multi-million rand Komatsu Southern Africa Parts Distribution Centre.

Komatsu parts distribution centre in isando

2013

50th anniversary of Komatsu equipment in South Africa.

2013

Komatsu Southern Africa receives its second Presidential Award, this time in the category ‘Excellent Management’.

2014

Komatsu introduces black ownership through the Komatsu Development Trust

2015

Komatsu opens a new world-class technical training centre

2016

Komatsu Mozambique is established (100% subsidiary of Komatsu Africa Holdings)

2017

Start construction of new Komatsu Campus in Gauteng, east of Johannesburg. (Consolidation of Head Office, Workshop, Training Centre, Reman and Parts Distribution Centre all on one central 300 000m3 campus in Germiston)

Komatsu Breaks Ground on new Campus in Germiston

2017

Komatsu invests in Mineware.

2017

Komatsu Ltd acquires Joy Global and renamed to Komatsu Mining Corporation.

2018

The new 300,000m2 Komatsu Campus is officially opened by South African Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Rob Davies, Tetsuji Ohashi, CEO and president of Komatsu Ltd, Japan, and managing director of Komatsu Africa Holdings Mike Blom. Parts Distribution Centre.