Last December, Komatsu, through its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Komatsu America, Inc. completed the acquisition of Detroit-based battery manufacturer American Battery Solutions (ABS). Together, Komatsu and ABS will work on the development of advanced energy storage systems, making possible the development and production of batteries for a wide range of models of construction and mining machinery suitable for operation in a variety of environments and conditions, and providing optimized power for Komatsu's next-generation electrified equipment for construction and mining.

ABS develops and produces a wide range of battery packs for heavy-duty and industrial use, and its lithium-ion batteries are widely used in on-road as well as off-road vehicles such as commercial vehicles and buses, etc. ABS not only provides standard battery systems, but also customizes them to meet the different needs of users. The battery packs supplied by the technologically strong ABS are characterized by outstanding performance, safety and reliability.

ABS currently operates as a separate business entity under Komatsu and is focused on sustaining its growth plans through existing and potential customer programs in the commercial vehicle sector. Mining and construction opportunities through Komatsu will enable ABS to become a globally advanced supplier of battery systems in the commercial vehicle as well as construction and mining machinery markets. Komatsu will continue to support ABS's battery business and drive its electrification further.

Komatsu is advancing and leveraging ABS's strengths in batteries to expand the use of batteries in Komatsu mining equipment in North and South America, where demand for electrification of large-scale mining equipment is growing. In the future, Komatsu aims to expand the use of batteries in construction equipment and establish a global supply system.

The acquisition will allow ABS to develop solutions around heavy dozers and mining equipment, and ABS will also expand its plant facilities and install a second high-voltage production line.

As part of its medium-term management plan “DANTOTSU Value - Together, to the Next for sustainable growth” growth strategy, Komatsu will accelerate the electrification of construction and mining equipment by utilizing ABS's battery-related technologies to achieve the goal of a carbon-emission-reducing society. reduction society. These efforts will help Komatsu achieve its goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from product use by 50 percent by 2030 (compared to 2010) and the company's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, creating new value for customers.

Moving forward, Komatsu will work with its partners to build a safe, efficient, smart and clean workplace of the future.