Komatsu adapts longwall business to meet customer needs

Komatsu has announced that it will provide Joy-engineered powered roof support (PRS) solutions through partnerships with PRS manufacturers in a move to adapt its longwall mining equipment business to meet customer needs.

“As customers look to cut costs in the evolving coal market, we want to help provide flexibility while continuing to offer the core competencies we are known for in this space: Joy custom-engineered PRS solutions,” Jason Savage, senior VP for Joy underground soft rock at Komatsu Mining, said in a release. “We will continue to provide, and further develop, the design and technical support of engineered PRS solutions to help our customers mine efficiently and safely while enabling access to lower cost manufacturing sources to reduce up-front investment.”

The release notes that Komatsu remains committed to supporting the global longwall market by providing Joy-engineered PRS solutions; designing bespoke roof supports; continuing to design and manufacture its Joy armoured face conveyors, shearers and longwall controls; and providing project management, quality and integration services for longwall systems.

There are no expected disruptions to existing order fulfillment as part of the latest changes. The company will continue to service and support all Joy longwall products including PRS through its global service network and will fully support existing customers for the lifetime of their operations.

There may be changes to the company’s manufacturing footprint as a result of this shift, impacting Komatsu’s Manchester and Worcester facilities in the United Kingdom, but no immediate changes have been announced.

“We are focused on working with our employees and our customers to make this transition as smooth as possible and empower the global mining market with the highest levels of longwall automation, remote operation, safety and productivity,” Savage concluded.

Komatsu is a manufacturer and supplier of equipment, technologies and services for the construction, forklift, mining, industrial and forestry markets. Its Joy-branded product line is used in underground mining and includes room and pillar units, industrial mineral equipment and longwall systems, among others.

For more information, visit www.Mining.Komatsu.