20 Major Japanese Machinery Manufacturers:

Japanese machinery manufacturers have led global manufacturing with their advanced technological capabilities and dedication to quality. They boast world-leading companies in various fields such as automobiles, machine tools, industrial robots, and construction machinery. This article carefully selects 20 major companies representing the Japanese machinery industry and thoroughly explains each company’s business activities, strengths, achievements, and future outlook.

Machine Tool Related

DMG MORI is a company with one of the world’s top shares in machine tools. It provides a wide range of machine tools, including cutting and grinding machines. It was established through the management integration of DMG of Germany and Mori Seiki Co., Ltd. of Japan. It develops, manufactures, and sells machine tools. Its headquarters are located in Bielefeld, Germany, and Nagoya, Japan.

DMG MORI’s strengths are its advanced technological capabilities in multi-axis machining centers and 5-axis machining centers, and the provision of solutions using digital technology. It provides machine tools to a wide range of industries such as automobiles, aerospace, and molds, contributing to the manufacturing industry with high-precision machining technology.

It is strengthening the provision of smart factory solutions using digital technology and is also actively promoting global expansion. As a company leading the world in machine tools, it is contributing to the development of the manufacturing industry with advanced technology.

Okuma Corporation is a company that provides machine tools such as CNC lathes and machining centers. It is known for its unique control technology “OSP.” Founded in 1918, it develops, manufactures, and sells machine tools. Its headquarters is located in Oguchi-cho, Aichi Prefecture.

Okuma Corporation’s strengths are the high precision and operability achieved by its unique control technology “OSP.” It provides CNC lathes, machining centers, and multi-tasking machines, and contributes to the manufacturing industry with high-precision machining technology by providing machine tools to a wide range of industries such as automobiles and construction machinery.

It is strengthening the provision of smart factory solutions using technologies such as IoT and AI. As a company contributing to the machine tool market with its unique control technology, it supports the manufacturing industry with high-precision machining technology.

FANUC is a company with one of the world’s top shares in FA (Factory Automation) robots and CNC devices. It has greatly contributed to factory automation. Founded in 1956, it started with the development of NC (Numerical Control) devices and subsequently expanded its business to FA robots and CNC devices. Its headquarters is located in Oshino-mura, Yamanashi Prefecture.

FANUC’s strengths are its world-leading share in FA robots and CNC devices, and their high reliability and durability. By providing FA robots and CNC devices to a wide range of manufacturing industries such as automobiles and electrical equipment, it has greatly contributed to factory automation and productivity improvement.

It is strengthening the provision of smart factory solutions using technologies such as AI and IoT. As a company leading the world in the FA field, it is making significant contributions to factory automation.

Yamazaki Mazak is a company that provides machine tools such as CNC lathes and machining centers. It has strengths in technologies that support high-mix low-volume production. Founded in 1919, it develops, manufactures, and sells machine tools. Its headquarters is located in Oguchi-cho, Aichi Prefecture.

Yamazaki Mazak’s strengths are its flexible production system that supports high-mix low-volume production and its advanced machining technology. By providing machine tools to a wide range of industries such as aerospace and energy, it contributes to the manufacturing industry with high-precision machining technology.

It is strengthening the provision of smart factory solutions using technologies such as IoT and AI. As a company contributing to the machine tool market with technologies that support high-mix low-volume production, it provides products that meet diverse needs.

Automotive Related

JTEKT Corporation is a company that provides automotive parts (steering systems, driveline components, etc.) and machine tools. It makes significant contributions to the automotive industry. It was established in 2006 through the merger of Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd. and Toyoda Koki Co., Ltd. It develops, manufactures, and sells automotive parts and machine tools. Its headquarters is located in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture.

JTEKT Corporation’s strengths are its high share in steering systems and driveline components, and its technological capabilities that contribute to improving automotive safety and driving performance. By providing automotive parts to automobile manufacturers, it contributes to the evolution of automobiles.

It is promoting the development of new technologies to respond to the electrification and autonomous driving of automobiles. As an important company supporting the automotive industry, it is contributing to the evolution of automobiles.

Heavy Industry Related

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. is a comprehensive heavy industry manufacturer that develops a wide range of businesses such as shipbuilding, aerospace, energy, and machinery. It makes significant contributions to social infrastructure and industrial foundations. Founded in 1884, it started with shipbuilding and subsequently expanded its business to aerospace, energy, and machinery. Its headquarters is located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.’s strengths are its extensive track record in products and technologies related to large-scale social infrastructure and industrial foundations, and its comprehensive technological capabilities. By providing ships, aircraft, and power plants domestically and internationally, it makes significant contributions to the development of social infrastructure and industrial foundations.

In the energy field, it is strengthening businesses such as renewable energy and hydrogen energy. As a comprehensive heavy industry manufacturer representing Japan, it supports social infrastructure and industrial foundations.

IHI Corporation is a heavy industry manufacturer that develops a wide range of businesses such as aerospace, energy, social infrastructure, and industrial machinery. It contributes to social infrastructure and industrial foundations. Founded in 1853, it started with shipbuilding and subsequently expanded its business to aerospace, energy, social infrastructure, and industrial machinery. Its headquarters is located in Koto-ku, Tokyo.

IHI Corporation’s strengths are its extensive track record in products and technologies related to large-scale social infrastructure and industrial foundations, and its advanced technological capabilities. By providing aircraft engines and power plants domestically and internationally, it contributes to the development of social infrastructure and industrial foundations.

In the energy field, it is strengthening businesses such as renewable energy and hydrogen energy. As a company supporting society in the heavy industry field, it contributes to social infrastructure and industrial foundations.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. is a heavy industry manufacturer that develops a wide range of businesses such as ships, railway vehicles, aerospace, motorcycles, and industrial plants. It contributes to land, sea, and air transportation equipment and social infrastructure. Founded in 1878, it started with shipbuilding and subsequently expanded its business to railway vehicles, aerospace, and motorcycles. Its headquarters is located in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.’s strengths are its extensive track record in products and technologies related to large-scale transportation equipment and social infrastructure, and its diverse business development. By providing ships, railway vehicles, and aircraft domestically and internationally, it contributes to the development of land, sea, and air transportation infrastructure.

It is focusing on fields such as hydrogen energy and robots. As a company supporting land, sea, and air transportation infrastructure, it contributes to society through a wide range of businesses.

Construction Machinery Related

Kubota Corporation is a company that provides agricultural machinery, construction machinery, and water environment-related products. It contributes to solving social issues related to food, water, and the environment. Founded in 1890, it started with casting and subsequently expanded its business to agricultural machinery, construction machinery, and water environment-related products. Its headquarters is located in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture.

Kubota Corporation’s strengths are its high domestic and international share in agricultural machinery, its global expansion, and its diverse product lineup. It provides agricultural machinery such as tractors and combines, construction machinery such as hydraulic excavators and wheel loaders, and water treatment plants, and contributes to food production and infrastructure development by having its products used in agricultural and construction sites domestically and internationally. In recent years, it has also strengthened its efforts in smart agriculture.

To contribute to solving social issues related to food, water, and the environment, it is strengthening businesses such as smart agriculture and water environment solutions and is also actively promoting global expansion. As a company contributing to solving social issues in the food, water, and environment fields, it is developing its business globally.

Komatsu Ltd. is a company that provides construction machinery such as hydraulic excavators and bulldozers. It is known as a global construction machinery manufacturer. Founded in 1921, it develops, manufactures, and sells construction machinery. Its headquarters is located in Minato-ku, Tokyo.

In particular, “SMARTCONSTRUCTION” is attracting attention as a solution that uses ICT to improve productivity, safety, and reduce the environmental impact of construction sites. By combining drone surveying, 3D design data utilization, and construction using ICT construction equipment, it optimizes all processes at the construction site.

In recent years, Komatsu has also been promoting the development of electrification and automation technologies, aiming to further improve productivity through the electrification and unmanned operation of construction machinery. It also operates service businesses such as construction machinery rentals, used equipment sales, and parts supply, meeting the diverse needs of customers. As a global construction machinery manufacturer, it contributes to the efficiency of construction sites with solutions utilizing ICT.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. is a company that provides construction machinery such as hydraulic excavators and cranes. It has strengths in hydraulic technology. It was established in 1970 as an independent company from Hitachi, Ltd.’s construction machinery division. It develops, manufactures, and sells construction machinery such as hydraulic excavators and cranes. Its headquarters is located in Taito-ku, Tokyo.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.’s strengths are the hydraulic technology it has cultivated over many years and the advanced performance of its construction machinery that applies these technologies. By providing hydraulic excavators, cranes, and mining machinery, and having its construction machinery used in construction sites and mines around the world, it contributes to infrastructure development and resource development.

It is strengthening the provision of construction solutions using technologies such as ICT and AI, and is also promoting the development of electrification technology. As a company contributing to the construction machinery market with hydraulic technology, it operates globally.

Caterpillar Inc. is an American company that provides construction machinery such as hydraulic excavators and bulldozers. It is known as a global construction machinery manufacturer. Founded in 1925, it develops, manufactures, and sells construction machinery, mining machinery, and diesel engines. Its headquarters is located in Deerfield, Illinois, USA.

Caterpillar Inc.’s strengths are its global sales and service network and its wide product lineup. By providing hydraulic excavators, bulldozers, dump trucks, and diesel engines, and having its construction machinery used in construction sites and mines around the world, it contributes to infrastructure development and resource development.

It is promoting the development of electrification and automation technologies and is also strengthening the provision of solutions using digital technology. As a global construction machinery manufacturer, it supports the construction industry with a wide product lineup and a global network.

Takeuchi Mfg. Co., Ltd. is a company that provides construction machinery such as compact hydraulic excavators. It has a high share in compact construction machinery. Founded in 1963, it develops, manufactures, and sells compact hydraulic excavators. Its headquarters is located in Sakaki-machi, Nagano Prefecture.

Takeuchi Mfg. Co., Ltd.’s strengths are its high share in compact hydraulic excavators and mini excavators, and its product design suitable for work in narrow spaces. By having its compact construction machinery used in urban construction sites and landscaping, it contributes to work in narrow spaces.

It is promoting the development of electrification technology and is also actively promoting overseas expansion. As a company leading the market in compact construction machinery, it is active in urban areas and landscaping.

Agricultural Machinery Related

Yanmar Co., Ltd. is a company that provides agricultural machinery, construction machinery, and marine engines. It has strengths in diesel engine technology. Founded in 1912, it started with the development of diesel engines. It subsequently expanded its business to agricultural machinery, construction machinery, and marine engines. Its headquarters is located in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture.

Yanmar Co., Ltd.’s strengths are its diesel engine technology and its diverse product lineup that applies this technology. By providing agricultural machinery such as tractors and combines, construction machinery such as mini excavators, and marine engines, and having its products used in a wide range of fields such as agriculture, construction, and shipping, it contributes to food production, infrastructure development, and logistics.

It is promoting the development of smart agriculture and energy-saving technologies. As a company contributing to a wide range of fields with diesel engine technology, it is working to solve social issues in the food and energy fields.

Iseki & Co., Ltd. is a company that provides agricultural machinery such as tractors and rice transplanters. It has a high share in the domestic agricultural machinery market. Founded in 1926, it develops, manufactures, and sells agricultural machinery. Its headquarters is located in Taito-ku, Tokyo.

Iseki & Co., Ltd.’s strengths are its high share in machinery for paddy field farming and its product development specialized for Japanese agriculture. By providing agricultural machinery such as tractors, rice transplanters, and combines, and having its agricultural machinery used in domestic agricultural sites, it contributes to food production.

It is strengthening its efforts in smart agriculture and is contributing to solving the problems of the aging agricultural sector. As a company with a high share in the domestic agricultural machinery market, it supports Japanese agriculture.

FA Related

Yaskawa Electric Corporation is a company that provides FA equipment such as industrial robots and inverters. It has strengths in motion control technology. Founded in 1915, it started with the manufacture of electric motors. It subsequently expanded its business to industrial robots and inverters. Its headquarters is located in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

Yaskawa Electric Corporation’s strengths are its motion control technology and the high-performance FA equipment such as industrial robots and inverters that apply this technology. By providing FA equipment to a wide range of industries, mainly in the manufacturing industry, it contributes to factory automation and productivity improvement.

It is strengthening the provision of solutions using technologies such as robots and AI. As a company contributing to the FA market with motion control technology, it supports factory automation.

Precision Equipment Related

THK Co., Ltd. is a company that provides LM Guides (Linear Motion Guides). It supports the precise movement of machinery. Founded in 1971, it develops, manufactures, and sells LM Guides. Its headquarters is located in Minato-ku, Tokyo.

THK Co., Ltd.’s strengths are its high share in LM Guides and its technological capabilities that contribute to improving the precision and automation of machinery. By providing LM Guides, ball screws, and actuators, and having its LM Guides used in a wide range of machinery such as machine tools, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and robots, it contributes to improving the precision and automation of machinery.

It is promoting the development of high-precision and high-performance LM Guides to respond to the expanding markets of robots and FA. As a company supporting the precise movement of machinery with LM Guides, it contributes to improving the precision and automation of machinery.

SMC Corporation is a company that provides pneumatic equipment. It provides equipment essential for factory automation. Founded in 1959, it develops, manufactures, and sells pneumatic equipment. Its headquarters is located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.

SMC Corporation’s strengths are its global share in pneumatic equipment and its wide product lineup. By providing pneumatic cylinders, solenoid valves, air filters, etc., and providing pneumatic equipment to a wide range of industries, mainly in the manufacturing industry, it contributes to factory automation and labor saving.

It is promoting product development using IoT and energy-saving technologies. As a company supporting factory automation with pneumatic equipment, it meets diverse needs with a wide product lineup.

Nachi-Fujikoshi Corp. is a company that provides cutting tools, industrial robots, and bearings. It contributes to machining and the FA field. Founded in 1928, it is known by the “Nachi” brand. It develops, manufactures, and sells cutting tools, industrial robots, bearings, and hydraulic equipment. Its headquarters is located in Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture.

Nachi-Fujikoshi Corp.’s strengths are its high technological capabilities in cutting tools and robots, and its wide range of business development. By providing cutting tools such as drills and end mills, industrial robots such as welding robots and handling robots, bearings, and hydraulic equipment, and providing products to a wide range of manufacturing industries such as automobiles, aerospace, and general machinery, it contributes to machining and the FA field.

It is strengthening the provision of solutions using technologies such as robots and AI. As a company supporting the manufacturing industry with cutting tools and robots, it contributes to machining and the FA field through a wide range of businesses.

Overseas Company (Emphasizing Relationship with Japanese Machinery Manufacturers)

Siemens AG is a comprehensive electrical equipment manufacturer headquartered in Germany. It operates in a wide range of fields such as FA, energy, healthcare, and infrastructure. Founded in 1847, it started with the manufacture of telegraphs. It subsequently expanded its business to electrical equipment, electronic equipment, and industrial equipment. Its headquarters is located in Munich, Germany.

Siemens AG’s strengths are its high technological capabilities in the FA and energy fields, and its global business development. By providing FA equipment (PLCs, CNCs, etc.), industrial robots, energy-related equipment, medical equipment, and railway systems, and having its products and solutions used in factories, power plants, hospitals, and railways around the world, it greatly contributes to industry and social infrastructure. It is also focusing on providing solutions using digital technology.

In particular, regarding its relationship with Japanese machinery manufacturers, Siemens has made significant contributions to the digitalization of Japanese manufacturing. Siemens’ FA equipment and control systems have been implemented in many factories in Japan, contributing to improved productivity and quality. Furthermore, there are many cases of joint technology development with Japanese machinery manufacturers, playing an important role in the development of the Japanese machinery industry.

It is strengthening the provision of solutions such as “digital twins” using digital technology and is promoting business development that contributes to sustainability. As a global company operating in a wide range of fields, it contributes to industry and social infrastructure with advanced technology.

Japanese machinery manufacturers have led global manufacturing with their advanced technological capabilities and dedication to quality. They boast world-leading companies in various fields such as automobiles, machine tools, industrial robots, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, and the precision equipment and elemental technologies that support them.

The 20 companies introduced in this article have outstanding technological capabilities and achievements in their respective fields and play an important role in supporting Japanese industry. Each company is aiming for sustainable growth while leveraging its strengths and responding quickly to the rapidly changing market environment. In particular, in recent years, they have faced many challenges such as intensifying global competition, the rise of emerging countries, geopolitical risks, labor shortages, and responses to carbon neutrality.

The following initiatives will be important for Japanese machinery manufacturers to continue to develop in the future:

• Accelerating Technological Innovation: Actively introducing advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, robotics, and material science to improve product functionality and add value. In particular, the fusion of technologies from different fields (e.g., agricultural machinery and AI, construction machinery and ICT) is important.
• Strengthening Global Expansion: Accurately grasping the needs of overseas markets, building global supply chains, and accelerating overseas expansion. In addition to entering emerging markets, the development of high-value-added products in developed markets is also important.
• Promoting Open Innovation: Strengthening collaboration with universities, research institutions, and companies in different industries to create new technologies and business models. Collaboration with startup companies should also be actively pursued.
• Strengthening Human Resource Development: Enhancing domestic and international human resource development programs and developing human resources with advanced expertise and a global perspective. In particular, the development of digital human resources in fields such as AI, software, and data science is urgently needed.
• Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience: Preparing for geopolitical risks and natural disasters by diversifying supply chains and strengthening domestic production bases.
• Promoting DX (Digital Transformation): Digitalizing production processes, business processes, and customer service to improve efficiency and add value. It is important to formulate a data utilization strategy and promote data-driven management.
• Responding to Sustainability: Promoting the development of products and services that contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, such as reducing environmental impact and effectively utilizing resources. Responding to carbon neutrality is an urgent issue.
• Actively Responding to Standardization: Actively participating in international standardization activities and working to ensure that Japanese technology becomes a global standard.

Through these initiatives, Japanese machinery manufacturers are expected to maintain and improve their competitiveness in the global market and greatly contribute to Japan’s economic growth.