Published: November 27, 2023 |

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Komatsu, through its wholly owned subsidiary in the U.S., Komatsu America Corp., has agreed to acquire American Battery Solutions (ABS), a battery manufacturer headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. U.S. Komatsu is planning to close the acquisition on Dec. 1, 2023, on the condition that all necessary procedures for the closing are completed.

“After more than a year of evaluating potential battery partners, ABS stood out because of the depth of the team and their strong technical skill base, breadth of business and battery systems know-how, and battery manufacturing expertise for heavy duty markets,” said Taisuke Kusaba, CTO and president, Development Division, Komatsu.

“We are excited to join the Komatsu family with its global presence. This partnership will position ABS as a leading partner for electrification of industrial equipment and commercial vehicles globally,” said Subhash Dhar, founder and CEO of ABS.

“We are thankful for the support of our initial investors, KCK Group, and are pleased to enable a successful exit after only 4 ½ years. Komatsu’s acquisition of ABS is testament to the intellectual and manufacturing assets ABS has developed in the span of four years,” added Dhar.

ABS develops and manufactures a wide variety of heavy-duty and industrial battery packs, using lithium-ion batteries for commercial vehicles, transit buses and on- and off-road vehicles. The company provides both standard and custom battery systems optimized to each customer’s needs. ABS’ technology, combined with the advanced product development knowledge and expertise of its people, enables the company to develop and manufacture battery packs designed to deliver superior performance and product life, and to enhance safety.

The acquisition of ABS will enable Komatsu to develop and produce its own battery-operated construction and mining equipment, through the integration of ABS’ battery technology with Komatsu’s knowledge and network. The first equipment produced with ABS’ batteries will be used to power mining equipment in North and South America, where demand for electrification has been increasing. In the future, Komatsu will aim to expand the use of batteries in construction equipment and to establish a global supply system. Komatsu will continue to support ABS’ battery business to further develop the electrification business post-acquisition.

ABS will operate as a stand-alone business entity within Komatsu and will continue its growth plans by executing on its current and prospective customer programs in the commercial vehicle segments. The mining and construction opportunities provided through Komatsu will enable ABS to position itself as one of the world’s leading providers of battery systems in both on-highway and off-highway markets.

Through the acquisition, Komatsu will accelerate the development of battery-powered electric vehicles by utilizing ABS’ battery-related technology, along with other initiatives Komatsu is pursuing with its partners, to further contribute to the electrification of construction and mining equipment and the realization of a decarbonized society. These efforts will help Komatsu achieve its management target of 50 percent reduction of CO2 emissions from the use of its products by 2030 (compared to 2010 levels) as well as the company’s challenge target of achieving its carbon neutrality by 2050.

As part of its growth strategy for the mid-term management plan, Komatsu is working to develop and launch electric equipment to help achieve carbon neutrality, creating new value for customers with the development of new equipment, processes and technologies that will help operations step forward to the next stage for the workplace of the future and provide a more sustainable environment for the next generation.

Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial, and forestry markets. For more than a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Front-line industries worldwide use Komatsu solutions to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, maintain forests and create consumer products. The company’s global service and distributor networks support customer operations to enhance safety and productivity while optimizing performance.

Founded in 2019 by Subhash Dhar, American Battery Solutions is a U.S.-based leader in advanced battery pack development and manufacturing for heavy duty applications. ABS designs and manufactures heavy-duty battery systems and solutions for transportation, industrial and commercial vehicle markets. ABS operates a 120,000 sq. ft. technical innovation center in Michigan and a dedicated 170,000 sq. ft purpose-built state of the art battery manufacturing facility in Ohio. It employs nearly 200 people in Michigan and Ohio.

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