The Oyama Technical Centre

Komatsu has opened a new technical centre to boost its R&D activities.

The Oyama Technical Centre on the premises of the Oyama Plant, one of Komatsu's main plants in Japan, accommodates the development capability of its components, such as engines, axles and hydraulic equipment. The facility also houses R&D for vehicle bodies - including forklifts - for the Tochigi Plant and administrative operations.

By integrating the development capabilities of different components and those of components and vehicle bodies, Komatsu has strengthened its ability to develop and introduce higher value-added products in a shorter period of time, according to a company statement.

Komatsu is using virtual reality simulations as part of its design activities, enabling designers to anticipate assembly challenges as well as to test serviceability, visibility, fabrication and other factors. By using this virtual reality system, Komatsu is better positioned to shorten lead-times for designing key components and vehicle bodies and to improve design quality.

Komatsu has also expanded the functions of its parts repository. By monitoring the systems of spare parts distribution centres around the world, Komatsu claims it has improved the accuracy of predicting demand for parts, and sales, production and inventory planning. Komatsu has thus enhanced the quality of customer service through optimal allocation of parts and strengthened its operations designed to cut down parts inventories.

Energy efficiency is integral to the design of the new facilities, with leading-edge solar technologies and eco-friendly louvres employed to boost efficiencies. In the wake of the 2011 earthquake, Komatsu committed to slashing its electricity purchases to half of its 2010 levels.