Komatsu to buy German underground equipment manufacturer GHH Group

Japanese multinational corporation Komatsu has agreed to acquire GHH Group, a Germany-based underground mining, tunnelling and special civil engineering equipment manufacturer, for an undisclosed price.

The transaction is expected to strengthen Komatsu’s product portfolio in underground hard rock and industrial minerals.

Komatsu will acquire GHH Group’s factories, rebuild facilities as well as product offerings and staff as part of the deal.

GHH Group, which is currently part of the German-owned Schmidt Kranz Group, provides an array of equipment focused on loaders (LHDs) and articulated dump trucks in the mid-seam mass mining, narrow vein, and low-profile market sectors.

In addition, the company will offer aftermarket parts and service support throughout the life of every machine.

Komatsu to buy German underground equipment manufacturer GHH Group. Photo courtesy of Business Wire.

Peter Salditt — Komatsu Mining Corp president and CEO said: “We are very excited about this acquisition as it represents a great opportunity for Komatsu to expand its offerings for underground mining equipment and accelerate new product development through synergies with Komatsu’s existing team and product offerings.

“By adding GHH’s factories and rebuild facilities in key markets in Europe, South Africa, India and Chile, we also aim to strengthen production and service capabilities for our customers.”

Post-closing, the combined team anticipates increasing Komatsu’s offering for underground mining equipment and improving customer access to products in new regions.

Dr. Jan Petzold — GHH Group CEO said: “GHH is excited to be able to start a new journey with a strong player in the mining world. This opens huge doors for our people and our products to develop further and grow beyond what we could have hoped for.

“This is the next logical step in becoming a true global player and we look forward to becoming part of the Komatsu family.”

The transaction is expected to complete in the first half of 2023.

Komatsu manufactures technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, industrial, forklift, and forestry sectors.