Views 2008 No.

1 1
CONTENTS

KOMATSU HIGHLIGHTS
2 MINExpo 2008
An Outstanding Platform for Komatsus Message
of Tradition, Technology, Teamwork

CUSTOMERS IN FOCUS
4 Newfoundland Company Specializing in
Wilderness Construction Builds a Road through
Labrador

6 Over 100 Komatsu Machines Help Indias

Diversified Conglomerate Keep Growing

8 Komatsu Equipment Serves Malaysian Logging

Company Well

9 PC200 Operating at a High Altitude at Bhutanese

Limestone Job Site

10 Altcom and Komatsu Get Ready for EURO 2012

CUSTOMER SUPPORT
12 Modular Mining Systems Unveils the Latest
in Mining Technology

CURRENT TOPICS
14 Breaking Ground for Komatsus Assembly Plant
in Russia
MINExpo 2008
15 Komatsu PC26MR-3 Receives Top Honor
from ERA An Outstanding Platform for
16 Royal Treatment at Newly Opened Plant
in Thailand of Tradition, Technology,
By Bob Post, Komatsu America Corp.

U
2008
No. 4
Product photos in this magazine may show optional equipment.
Product specifications are subject to change without notice.
Available models may vary by region or country.
Models shown in this magazine may be positioned for photographic
purposes, with the bucket up. For safety reasons, please leave the
equipment in a secure position.
All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced
without the prior written permission of Komatsu Ltd.
The comments expressed in this magazine are those of the
contributors, and are not necessarily endorsed by Komatsu Ltd.
We welcome any comments from Views readers
via email (views@komatsu.com).
Views is a PR magazine published by Komatsu Ltd.
Construction & Mining Equipment Marketing Division
2-3-6, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8414, Japan
http://www.komatsu.com
E-mail: views@komatsu.com
pbeat excitement is a phrase that best
describes the feeling of the over 44,000
attendees of MINExpo International 2008
held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in
Nevada, in the United States, on September 22 to
24. Miners from all corners of the world con-
verged on Las Vegas to see the latest in mining
technology. Komatsu displayed the massive 960E
and 860E dump trucks, a D475ASD bulldozer, a
WA1200 wheel loader and a PC5500 hydraulic
excavator, the largest machine ever displayed
indoors at MINExpo. An expansive 3,716 m2
(40,000 ft2) of floor space was needed to ade-
quately showcase Komatsu equipment, which also
included that of Komatsus wholly owned subsid-
iary, Modular Mining Systems, Inc. (Modular), as
well as separate display areas for Service, Parts,
Training, Green Initiative and VHMS (Vehicle
Health Monitoring System).
The overwhelming size of the Komatsu
display was astounding, but even more impressive
was the message of Tradition, Technology,
Teamwork, and how it related directly to the cus-
tomer and the relationship between the customer,
distributors and Komatsu. The message was com-
municated in many ways throughout the display,
including a highly visible stage presentation,

WA1200 wheel loader and 960E dump truck on display
Komatsus Message
Teamwork
which featured a 9 m x 3 m (30 ft x 10 ft) video
screen, helping to attract a large crowd of custom-
ers. The presentation opened with innovative
satellite imagery simulating a flight around the
world and showed close-up images taken from
space of surface mines on five continents.
Grabbing the attention of customers as they
The Komatsu booth maintained a steady flow
of visitors (above); the massive PC5500
hydraulic excavator was the largest
machine ever displayed indoors at MINExpo
(right).
walked by this striking display helped maintain
a steady flow of traffic around the Komatsu booth.
To drive home Komatsus message, a video pre-
sentation with a live speaker followed, featuring
interviews with actual customers recounting their
experiences working with Komatsu and its distrib-
utors around the world. The message was very
impactful when heard in the customers words and
voice, expressing how dealing with Komatsu
means less downtime, more production, more
success and fewer headaches.
Modular displayed cutting-edge products to
maximize production and efficiency of mining
operations. Each unit of Komatsu equipment in the
booth had a Modular monitor in the cab displaying
a different Modular product. If a customer did not
know about the Modular products upon entering
one of the Komatsu cabs, the customers interest
would be peaked by the monitor screen and then
visit the Modular display in the booth to get more
information from Modular staff.
The enthusiasm of mining customers was
amazing. The consensus seemed to be that the
global mining business would continue at its cur-
rent accelerated pace and that, typically, customers
had production, expansion and/or buying plans for
the next three, five and even seven years. The
Komatsu booth demonstrated the unique products
and services available from Komatsu to the mining
industry. As the global mining industry grows,
Komatsu is uniquely positioned through
Tradition, Technology, Teamwork to be the
favored solution provider to mines from small
quarry operations to giant multinational mining
concerns. MINExpo 2008 showed the mining
world that Komatsu is second to none in
technology, service, up-time and production.
* See page 12 for information on Modular products.
Views 2008 No.4 3

Customers in Focus
Newfoundland Company
Specializing in Wilderness
Construction Builds a Road
through Labrador
By Mari Aoyagi, Komatsu America Corp.
uilding a road through Labrador in Canada is
B no small feat due to the rugged, heavily for-
ested land. The remoteness of the region also
means any sign of civilization is often more than
200 km (124 mi) away.
Despite the obstacles, Johnsons Construction
LTD., a heavy civil firm based in Pasadena,
Newfoundland, has been building roads through
untouched Labradorian wilderness since 2000. To
date, Mr. Brian Johnson, president of Johnsons
Construction, estimates the company has com-
pleted more than 350 km (217 mi) of such
pioneering road work in Labrador.
We are capable of doing pretty much
anything construction related from all types of
excavation and road-building work to building
bridges and structures, said Mr. Johnson. But I
would definitely say our greatest strength as a
company is that we can do all that in very difficult
environments out in the wild.
Labrador is situated on the eastern edge of
Canada. About 294,000 km2 (113,514 mi2), its
population is less than 30,000 residents. Despite
the fact that it was discovered by Europeans
more than 1,000 years ago, little development has
occurred in the region.
4 Views 2008 No.4
Labrador
Goose Bay
CANADA
Newfoundland
Vancouver
Montreal Pasadena
Toronto
Mr. Brian Johnson and his wife, Maxine, who serves as
controller of Johnsons Construction LTD.
Although Labrador will likely always be
rural in nature, the provincial government of
Newfoundland and Labrador is taking steps to
make it more accessible to the outside world by
funding construction of the Trans-Labrador
Highway (TLH). When completed, the TLH will
be the first road connecting Labradors seaside
communities on the east to the North American
highway network. Today, such a trip requires a
multi-day ferry ride.
Komatsu Fleet Delivers Strong Performance
Every Step of the Way
Johnsons Construction relies on a large fleet of
Komatsu equipment to do its wilderness-style
construction work in a productive and efficient
manner. The company has about 65 units of
Komatsu equipment, including hydraulic excava-
tors, bulldozers, wheel loaders, rigid and articulated
dump trucks, and most recently, motor graders.
The fleet includes D155 bulldozers, HD325 rigid
dump trucks, HM350 articulated dump trucks and
 Johnsons Construction
operator uses a 363-kW
(487-HP) Komatsu PC800LC
hydraulic excavator to load
a 36-tonne (40-U.S.-ton)
HD325 rigid dump truck.

hydraulic excavators ranging from PC220s

to PC800s.
Today, Komatsu represents the vast majority
of our heavy equipment fleet, said Mr. Johnson.
We believe the machines themselves are
excellentas good as anything in the industry
and we have been pleased with the way both SMS
Equipment Inc. and Komatsu have stood behind
the products.
We have a longtime bulldozer operator who
had always operated another brand, and although
we had new Komatsu D155s, he wanted his previ-
ous machine, so we kept one of those just for him.
Well, when he came back to work for us this year,
his bulldozer was broken down, so he started using
the D155. It turned out he liked its performance
and comfort so much that when his bulldozer was
fixed, he no longer wanted to go back to it. He is
still on the D155 today.
Mr. Perry Anthony, site superintendent, said,
The bottom line for me is that we are building
more roads since we started using Komatsu, and
that is what it is all about.
Mr. Johnson says he turned to Komatsu and
Komatsu distributor SMS after having issues with
other brands and dealers. Komatsu has a reputa-
tion as an excellent manufacturer, but when we
first started buying their equipment, there wasnt
a lot of Komatsu product in Newfoundland and
Labrador, so it was a leap of faith for us. As is
typical with heavy equipment, there have been
some issues. What is important to us is that SMS
and Komatsu have been there for us every step of
the way. We definitely appreciate the effort and
commitment they have demonstrated to Johnsons
Construction.
Komatsu D155 bulldozer spreading material on a section of the Trans-Labrador Highway
that Johnsons Construction is upgrading
Reliable Support Builds Mutual Trust and
Success Today and Tomorrow
We have grown substantially since we started
doing business with SMS, and they have grown
with us, said Mr. Johnson. They now have a
parts outlet and a technician in Pasadena, and a
facility and personnel in Goose Bay. They also
have consignment parts available at each of our
work sites in Labrador. Overall, we believe
Mr. Robert Borgne, Construction and Utility
Division manager of SMS, and Mr. John Mercer,
who heads up sales and operations for SMS in
Newfoundland and Labrador, along with every-
body at SMS are doing a superb job of meeting
the equipment and support needs of Johnsons
Construction.
Mr. Robert McGinn, general manager of
Johnsons Construction, puts it this way. It has to
work for both sides; Brian is a very loyal individ-
ual and he has been loyal to SMS. In return, they
have provided quality equipment, and have deliv-
ered the support we need to be successful. I think
there is a lot of trust on both sides, and that is why
we are on board with them.
As he looks back at the growth of his
company, built largely on its ability to tame the
Labradorian wilderness, Mr. Johnson says he is
extremely proud of what his team has accomplished.
This isnt easy work. Other companies have come
and gone, but we are still here and we plan to be
here for the long term. Down the road, we think the
construction outlook is positive, not just here in
Labrador but also in Newfoundland, so at Johnsons
Construction, we are definitely optimistic about
what the future holds.

Approximately 60 units of
Komatsu equipment are at work
in Labrador, including PC400LC
hydraulic excavators and
HM350 articulated dump trucks.

Views 2008 No.4 5

 Customers in Focus

Over 100 Komatsu Machines Help Indias

Diversified Conglomerate Keep Growing
By Mr. Priyan R Naik, Larsen & Toubro Limited

he Jaypee Group is one of the largest

T operators of Komatsu equipment

among Indias diversified infrastruc-
tural industrial conglomerates. Over 100
Komatsu machines, including D41E,
D65E, D85ESS, D155 and D275 bulldoz-
ers, WA180, WA200 and WA380 wheel
loaders, WD420 wheel dozers, GD555
motor graders and PC200, PC300,
PC400 and PC600 hydraulic excavators,
are involved in limestone and rock excava-
tion, earth-fill and rock-fill operations,
expressway construction and real estate
development at large hydroelectric and
cement projects at Karcham Wangtoo,
Bela, Rewa and Milothi. The task of pro-
viding service support to these Komatsu
PC400LC hydraulic excavator with rock breaker working at the Karcham Wangtoo site
machines is carried out by Komatsu India
Pvt. Ltd. and its distributor Larsen &
Toubro Limited (L&T). shafts, an underground power house with an
installed capacity of 4 x 250 MW, a transformer
hall, a tail race tunnel and a diversion tunnel. At
Hydro Power Project at Karcham Wangtoo this project, four units of PC200s, 17 units of
Spearheaded by Mr. Pankaj Gaur, joint managing PC400s and four units of PC600s are used for
director of the Jaypee Group, the 1000 MW making haul roads, removing overburden and
Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric Project was constructing a barrage.
started in 2005 and will be complete by 2010. The Mr. Gaur comments: Transforming chal-
project is located between Karcham and Wangtoo lenges into opportunities has been the hallmark of
villages in northern India and is envisaged as the Jaypee Group since its inception four decades
a run-of-the-river development project on the ago. With a formidable presence in engineering
River Satluj, one of Indias prominent rivers. The and construction, the hydropower sector through
Jaypee Group will construct a head race tunnel its Build-Own-Operate (BOO) projects and in the
measuring 10.48 m (34.4 ft) in diameter and cement sector, coupled with ambitious expansion
17.2 km (10.7 mi) in length with four pressure plans, the group is poised to play a significant role
in Indias growth.

Jaypee Cement Complex at Bela and Rewa

The Jaypee Group produces over 7 million tonnes
(7.7 million U.S. tons) per annum of ordinary
Portland cement and Pozzolana Portland cement at
the Jaypee Rewa Plant and the Jaypee Bela Plant
situated within close proximity of each other.
Three captive limestone mines situated within
a distance of 5 km (3.1 mi) of each other occupy
a total mining lease area of 15 km2 (5.8 mi2), in
which two units of PC200s and nine units of
PC600s are used for overburden and limestone
PC600LC hydraulic excavator unloading into a dump truck at Jaypees limestone mine

6 Views 2008 No.4

removal. In addition, two units of WA180s and
two units of WA380s are used in the raw material
handling plant.
Mr. Gyan Prakash Gaur, executive director
(Purchase) of the Jaypee Group, says: Service
solutions in combination with Komatsus proven
quality and reliability and L&Ts service expertise
and know-how together make a concrete and
deliverable solution resulting in high machine
availability. With the groups visionary plans to
expand its cement capacities via acquisition and
greenfield additions, we expect the number of
Komatsu machines in the cement and construction
sectors to grow by leaps and bounds.
Jaypee Himachal Cement Plant at Milothi
The Jaypee Himachal cement plant is a greenfield
plant being developed at Milothi in northern India.
Started in 2006, the plant is scheduled to take
three years to complete. Komatsu machines are
deployed at the plant for earth excavation and con-
struction of haul roads. Machines include two
units of PC200, three units of PC400 and six units
WA180 wheel loader working at the
new cement plant site in Milothi
of PC600 hydraulic excavators, along with four
units of WA180 wheel loaders.
Komatsu and L&Ts Service Plus Reliability Are
Key Enablers
L&Ts ability to serve the Jaypee Group across its
diverse projects lies in its strong distribution net-
work, training capability for on-site staff, on-time
spare parts availability and a well-stocked central
warehouse. Komatsu and L&T ensure through
close coordination that the Jaypee Group gets One
Face seamless support. Reliable equipment cou-
pled with a relationship built up over the years and
a wide spectrum of service solutions contributes to
a win-win situation.
As Mr. Sunil Sharma, executive vice chairman
of the Jaypee Group, puts it: While choosing
equipment, we feel the need to address three major
concerns, specifically, training of people who will
handle the equipment, on-time spare parts avail-
ability and on-site after-sales service. We find
Komatsu along with L&T is uniquely positioned
to address all our concerns in a proactive and
responsive manner.
Karcham Wangtoo
Milothi
New Delhi
Bela
INDIA
Rewa
Bangalore
Views 2008 No.4 7

Customers in Focus
Komatsu Equipment Serves
Malaysian Logging Company Well
By Masafumi Tanaka, Komatsu Ltd., and Dennis Lim, Komatsu Asia & Pacific Pte Ltd
ubur Tiasa Holdings Bhd is one of the top
S
Malaysian logging companies. Subur Tiasa
Plywood Sdn Bhd, one of its subsidiaries,
built a plywood factory in 1989, which is export-
ing this material to India, China, Southeast Asia,
the Middle East, Japan and Canada. Plywood is
used for such purposes as furniture and home
interior design.
Caring for the Environment
The Subur Tiasa group is very much committed to
sustainable forest management practices in log-
ging. In achieving this aim, 5,900 ha (14,579 ac)
of forest land in the Licenses for Planted Forests
(LPF) sites of the group have been replanted with
From left: Mr. Pan Kee Chew, parts manager of Subur Tiasa Holdings Bhd;
Mr. Taizo Kayata, Komatsu Ltd.; Mr. Mamoru Hironaka, Komatsu Ltd.; Mr. Philip Teng,
senior manager of Subur Tiasa Holdings Bhd; Mr. Hisashi Miyazaki, Komatsu Asia &
Pacific Pte Ltd; Mr. Chew Chee Loon, UMW East Malaysia Sdn Bhd; and
Mr. Ting Ching Nguong, workshop chief mechanic of Subur Tiasa Plywood Sdn Bhd
8 Views 2008 No.4
WA450 wheel loader carrying logs for plywood (left);
older model WA450 has served Subur Tiasa Plywood well
for nearly 20 years (above).
MALAYSIA
Kuala Lumpur
Sibu
both indigenous and extraneous species to date.
The reforestation will ensure a continuous supply
of raw materials to the groups downstream
manufacturing operations in the long run.
A Komatsu Wheel Loader Operating Well after
Nearly 20 Years
With more than 300 units, including PC200
hydraulic excavators, WA450 wheel loaders and
D68ESS bulldozers, Komatsu remains the largest
machine fleet of the Subur Tiasa group. Komatsu
representatives and Komatsu distributor UMW
East Malaysia Sdn Bhd recently visited the ply-
wood factory operated by Subur Tiasa Plywood in
Sibu, Sarawak. Mr. Philip Teng, senior manager of
Subur Tiasa Holdings, provided a thorough expla-
nation of the entire operations of the factory,
which runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and
produces 2,000 m3 (2,616 yd3) of plywood daily.
Komatsu members were then invited by
Mr. Ting Ching Nguong, workshop chief
mechanic of Subur Tiasa Plywood, to his work-
shop. Among the eight units of Komatsu wheel
loaders equipped with log grapplers used to facili-
tate the daily production of plywood, Komatsu
representatives found an older model WA450
undergoing overhaul. According to Mr. Ting, this
unit was purchased around 20 years ago. The
machine has served them well, and he rarely has
encountered any major problems. In his opinion,
Komatsu makes an excellent wheel loader, and he
never hesitates to recommend the purchase of
Komatsu wheel loaders to anyone as a true
believer in Komatsus commitment to Quality
and Reliability.
 Customers in Focus

PC200 Operating at a High Altitude at

Bhutanese Limestone Job Site
By Joseph Low, Komatsu Asia & Pacific Pte Ltd

r. Yoshinori Komamura, director and

M senior executive officer of Komatsu Ltd.;

Mr. Sonam Ongdi, managing director of
Komatsu distributor Continental Bhutan
Enterprises (CBE); Mr. Mundachalil Ravindran,
executive director of CBE; and other related per-
sons recently visited the site of limestone mining
contractor Kuenphen Norden Mining in Bhutan
where they observed a PC200 hydraulic excavator
equipped with a rock breaker attachment in opera-
tion. Situated in Khariphu, in Paro, the mines are
approximately 2,800 m (9,187 ft) above sea level.
From left: Mr. Mundachalil Ravindran, Continental Bhutan Enterprises (CBE);
Mr. Neel Kanth Chhetri, the mines manager, Mr. Hisashi Miyazaki, Komatsu Asia & Pacific Pte Ltd; Mr. Yoshinori
praised the capability Komamura, Komatsu Ltd.; Mr. Neel Kanth Chhetri, mines manager of
Kuenphen Norden Mining; and Mr. Sonam Ongdi, CBE
of the PC200. He was
impressed that
Komatsu equipment
can operate at such a units of Komatsu equipment for their future
high altitude and expansion plan and commented that after-sales
withstand exceedingly support is one of the most important criteria
tough conditions, when deciding on the brand of equipment.
considering it has Mr. Chhetri states: Even though we are a small
accumulated over company, CBE treats us as being equally impor-
8,000 operating tant and always has been there for us. We cannot
hours. In fact, afford to have a machine down for days at a
Mr. Chhetri revealed time. In the past, whenever we experienced a
his companys inten- problem with the machines, CBE service person-
tion to purchase more nel were at our site by the same day or no later
than the next morning. This is the type of service
PC200 hydraulic excavator that we appreciate receiving.
equipped with a rock breaker
attachment at work

The Bhutanese people traditionally called their is predominately agrarian, with more than 80% of
country Druk Yul, which means Land of the the population supported by an agriculture-based
Thunder Dragon, due to its varying climates and livelihood. This is supplemented by forestry and
topography. The Kingdom of Bhutan is divided the sale of hydroelectric power to India.
into three major land regions, comprising In an effort to preserve the nations traditional
a southern region of plains and river valleys; culture and natural heritage, the government
a mid-Himalayan area north of the valleys that regulates foreign influence and tourism. In 2006,
rises to an elevation of about 1,500 to 4,250 m Bhutan was designated the happiest country in Asia
(5,000 to 14,000 ft); and the mountainous lands in and the eighth
the Himalayas, which range from approximately happiest CHINA
120 to 7,300 m (400 to 24,000 ft) above sea level. country in the
Sharing its southern, eastern and western world by
borders with India and neighbored to the north by Business Thimphu
China, Bhutan is recognized as one of the most Week.
isolated and least developed nations in the world. Paro
BHUTAN
Though Bhutans economy has shown
significant growth over the past three years, it
INDIA
remains one of the worlds smallest. The economy

Views 2008 No.4 9


Altcom and Komatsu
Get Ready for EURO 2012
By Mr. Kostiantyn Shkvarko, Sumitec Ukraine
ver the past four years, the growth of the
O construction equipment market in Ukraine
has not dropped below 100% each year. The
preparations for the UEFA EURO 2012 football
championship that will be jointly held in Ukraine
and Poland in 2012 are one of the main factors
driving this boom.
In the years leading to this major event, which
is held every four years in Europe, a significant
Altcom and Komatsuthe road-building experts
10 Views 2008 No.4
Kiev
Krakovets
Kharkiv
Lviv
UKRAINE Donetsk
Kherson
Kerch
Simferopol
Customers in Focus
amount of building work remains to be done,
including stadiums, airports and hotels that must
be constructed or renovated to welcome the many
thousands of expected football fans and visitors.
The main task, however, will be to buildor
rebuildthe roads.
FIG Altcom
Among several major road construction
companies in Ukraine, the largest is the Financial-
Industrial Group Altcom (FIG Altcom). It includes
companies that handle all aspects of road con-
struction projects from quarrying and processing
of raw materials to the final stages of prospecting
and engineering, as well as the construction of
civil, industrial and power facilities.
FIG Altcom includes Altcom-Keram,
Altcom-Nerudprom, Altcom-Stone,
Altcom-Beton, Altcom Invest stroy,
Altcom-Transmechanization, Altzem and
Road-building Altcom. These companies are
leaders in the Ukrainian market, and today, the
group employs nearly 4,500 people.
Experts at Work
Altcom is a road-building specialist and has
chosen Komatsus expertise and construction
equipment to help them get the job done.
Recently, Altcom completed a 160-km
(99.4-mi) stretch of road between the Ukrainian
city of Kharkiv and Simferopol on the Crimean
peninsula, successfully connecting Scandinavia
and Russia with Crimea. The majority of this road
construction work was completed using five units
of D65 and three units of D85 Komatsu bulldozers.
During the six months of round-the-clock
ground work the project required, more than
500,000 tonnes (551,150 U.S. tons) of earth were
moved. Due to the wet conditions, contractors had
to remove 8 m (26 ft) of wet ground and replace
this layer with a proper filling agent. The project
was completed one year ahead of schedule,
a testimony to the high level of productivity of
Komatsu equipment.
Last winter was extremely cold in Ukraine
with temperatures dropping to well below 0C
(32F). Despite these harsh conditions, while
building a mobile concrete factory near Donetsk in
eastern Ukraine, Altcom operators on the site
enjoyed comfortable conditions in Komatsu bull-
dozers. As one D85 operator commented, It is
very comfortable to sit and work in this bulldozer.
Even when the outside temperature is -16C (3.2F),
its still a cozy 25C (77F) in the cab. He added,
And I can drive this bulldozer with very little
effort. Today, that concrete factory, a vital pres-
ence in Europe, is in operation near the Donetsk
International Airport, where Altcom is building a
brand-new runway to be ready for the start of the
UEFA EURO 2012 football championship.
A Great Komatsu Fleet
The first Komatsu machine purchased by Altcom,
a GD661 motor grader, was delivered in May
2007. Later that month, a WA480 wheel loader,
The sun sets on a hard days work in Ukraine.
a D65 bulldozer, a PW220 wheeled excavator and
two units of WB93R backhoe loaders were also
sent to Donetsk. In total for 2007, the Ukrainian
road construction company purchased 32 units of
Komatsu equipment.
Altcoms fleet of Komatsu equipment pre-
dominately comprises PC350 hydraulic excavators.
Working in different parts of Ukraine, Altcom
occasionally rents out equipment, which has
allowed many Ukrainian customers to have the
chance to see the PC350 in action and try it out.
Customers of the Komatsu distributor now specifi-
cally inquire about this machine when shopping for
a new excavator.
I Just Like Komatsu.
Today, Altcom has several other road construction
projects underway in Ukraine. Among these, this
includes a section spanning the southeast of
Ukraine from Kherson to Kerch on the Crimean
peninsula and an 84-km (52-mi) highway connect-
ing Lviv, known as the western Ukrainian capital,
and Krakovets, located near the Polish border.
During a recent visit to the Komatsu Training
and Demonstration Center in Cartersville, in the
U.S. state of Georgia, where they test drove the
latest Komatsu models, Altcom managers com-
mented on how they can always count on Komatsu
to do a great job. One manager noted, Komatsu
machines help us to get more contracts and enable
us to maintain a leadership position in the local
construction market.
Altcom also expressed keen interest in new
mobile crushers and graders, and has already
signed a contract for nine units of GD705
motor graders.
At a recent exhibition in Donetsk, a manager
from Road-building Altcom summed up this
winning relationship in one short phrase, I just
like Komatsu.
A fully operational concrete
factory near Donetsk
International Airport
Views 2008 No.4 11

Modular Mining Systems Unveils
the Latest in Mining Technology
By David M. Keating, Modular Mining Systems, Inc.
xtensive mine monitoring and optimal
E production tracking are priority goals at any
mine site. Fleet management systems around
the world work to augment tracking, optimize
haul truck assignments and control blending at
mining operations. Over the past few years, sites
have also realized and focused on the ability of
these systems to increase production capacity.
Realized capacitya sites current produc-
tion outputmay approach, but never exceed,
inherent (potential) capacity. Effective mine
management, in the form of optimized equipment
utilization and minimized losses, can shorten the
gap between realized and inherent capacities.
As a total mining solutions provider, Komatsu
relies on Modular Mining Systems, Inc. (Modular)
for a variety of technologies relating to mine
management.
DISPATCH Mine Management System
Modulars DISPATCH mine management system
is a powerful solution that works to proactively
shorten the gap between realized and inherent
capacities using data captured by rugged-field
applications in real time. Founded in 1979,
Modular developed, demonstrated and introduced
12 Views 2008 No.4
DISPATCH system operating
in an underground mine
The RoadMap system
enables real-time monitoring
of light vehicles throughout
the mine site.
this revolutionary product to the mining market.
The original DISPATCH technology, with
custom hardware and software, optimized the
assignment of trucks to loading and dumping
points in an open-pit mine and produced operating
reports during the shift. Almost three decades
later, the DISPATCH system is still at the fore-
front for production tracking, optimization and
blending at mining operations around the world.
The DISPATCH fleet management system
manages a variety of mine processes, including
haul truck dispatching and crew rotation, in addi-
tion to reducing operator fatigue and unintentional
equipment abuse. Furthermore, the solution is pro-
active, as the system uses collected data to predict
and suggest operator actions that will optimize
productivity.
ShiftBoss Production Tracking System
Although the DISPATCH application is the most
effective solution for larger open-pit and under-
ground mines, the newly developed ShiftBoss
production tracking system provides accurate,
fully automated equipment data recording to
smaller sites. Mines that do not require all of the
features of the DISPATCH system are now able
to track and report productivity without a dis-
patcher. Unveiled by Modular at MINExpo
International 2008, the ShiftBoss application
runs on a new, integrated touch screen using
low-precision global positioning system (GPS)
receivers and is compatible with standard 802.11
networks, such as the MasterLink system.
Additionally, the accurate, affordable
ShiftBoss system has a number of safety fea-
tures, including navigation software that displays
equipment location on an onboard moving map.
Other utilities of the ShiftBoss solution work to
manage material movement and crew rotation. An operator monitoring an open-pit mine using the DISPATCH system
Another major feature, Store&Forward technol-
ogy, allows operators to work outside wireless
communication ranges for extended periods of
time, storing production data locally and later MineCare Maintenance Management System
uploading upon reconnection. and ProVision Machine Guidance System
Other Modular innovations include the MineCare
maintenance management system and the
RoadMap Safety and Position Tracking ProVision machine guidance system. MineCare
System systems provide remote real-time equipment moni-
The RoadMap safety and position tracking toring available on over 100 ModularReady
system monitors the position and speed of light interfaces. User-defined trending and alarms help
vehicles in variable mine site conditions. Also maintenance personnel to predict and prevent
introduced at MINExpo, the RoadMap system equipment failure. ProVision solutions reduce
tracks a wide variety of conditions, including cost and increase efficiency through elevation con-
hazards, speed limits, areas of restricted access trol, 3-D material delineation and stakeless drilling.
and road network changes. Personnel, visitors and Proximity alarms enhance site safety, while a
contractors throughout the site are notified of these dynamic digital terrain model (DTM) provides a
conditions via individual handheld personal digital centralized view of mining progress.
assistants (PDAs).
Modular joined the Komatsu Group in 1996, enabling
both companies to expand their product lines.
Together with Komatsu, Modular helped deploy the
first Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) with the
FrontRunner system. For more information on
Modular, please visit the following website:
www.modularmining.com

Views 2008 No.4 13

 CURRENT
Breaking Ground for Komatsus
TOPICS
Assembly Plant in Russia
By Yasuhisa Tsukamoto, Komatsu Manufacturing Rus, LLC

production lines from welding

to assembly for both construc-
tion equipment and utility
equipment. Situated on
premises encompassing
an expansive 500,000 m2
(5,382,000 ft2), the factory wing
is 72 m (236 ft) in width and
563 m (1,847 ft) in length, with
a floor space of 44,000 m2
(473,616 ft2). The structure
includes a warehouse in the
center, flanked by a production
line for hydraulic excavators on
the right and a production line
From left: Mr. Aleksey Reshatov, head of administration of the Yaroslavl municipal district; Mr. Yasuo Saito, for forklift trucks on the left.
Japanese ambassador to Russia; Mr. Viktor Volonchunas, mayor of Yaroslavl City; Mr. Kunio Noji, president &
CEO of Komatsu Ltd.; Mr. Sergey Vakhrukov, governor of Yaroslavl Region; Mr. Susumu Isoda, president & CEO The latest robot welding
of Komatsu Utility Co., Ltd.; and Mr. Aslan Atabiyev, chairman of the Russian-Japanese Business Council system will be introduced for
the welding sections of vehicle
frames. These robots operate
n July 21, 2008, Komatsu held a ground- under optimum welding parameters, as the most

O breaking ceremony for Komatsu

Manufacturing Rus, LLC (KMR), a new
plant in Yaroslavl, Russia, located 280 km
appropriate welding program is identified through
computer simulation. Moreover, sensors constantly
monitor the welding condition, enabling unmanned
(174 mi) northeast of Moscow scheduled to operations.
commence operations in June 2010. KMR is also fitted with a demonstration area
Members attending the ceremony included where users will be invited to try out the products.
Mr. Sergey Vakhrukov, governor of Yaroslavl Demand for construction and mining
Region; Mr. Viktor Volonchunas, mayor of equipment is growing in Russia on the back of
Yaroslavl City; and Mr. Aleksey Reshatov, head strong exports of abundant natural resources. By
of administration of the Yaroslavl municipal dis- establishing a production base there, Komatsu is
trict. KMR is Komatsus first full-scale assembly confident it can enhance its support structure for
plant in Russia and is equipped with integrated customers in that country.

At the ceremony, Komatsu

Manufacturing Rus, LLC used a hydraulic
excavator to write a kanji (Chinese
character), demonstrating the machines
excellent maneuverability (left);
character means celebration and
joyous (below).

14 Views 2008 No.4

CURRENT
Komatsu PC26MR-3 Receives
TOPICS Top Honor from ERA
By Tito Baldan, Komatsu Utility Europe S.p.A.

he PC26MR-3 mini excavator was honored

T with the Rental Product of the Year 2008

award by the European Rental Association
(ERA) in recognition of Komatsus excellence
and professionalism, which will further promote
the qualities of the machine.
The new PC26MR-3 model was specifically
designed with the most demanding customers in
mind. Perfectly adapted to the rental business
while offering the outstanding features expected
by machine users, this machine delivers optimal
control and safety, fantastic operator comfort,
with low and easy maintenance.
Designed to guarantee total safety for both
the operator and bystanders, the PC26MR-3 fea- A special machine to celebrate its launch has been made to promote the
tures ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) and PC26MR-3 at European fairs and events.

FOPS (Falling Objects Protective Structure), a

travel alarm and engine neutral start system to
minimize the risk of injuries. The machine features
no exposed parts to limit the possibility of acciden-
tal damage, flat glass to contribute to low repair
costs and steel covers to ensure easy repairs.
Despite its compact dimensions, the
PC26MR-3 offers ample room for the operator.
Once seated, the spacious working environment
and obstacle-free floor allow unrestricted
movement for the operators legs and feet.
All periodic inspection points are easily
accessible through the engine hood, and the cab is
able to be tilted upwards by a single person in
order to perform larger maintenance tasks. The
PC26MR-3 comes standard with KOMTRAX,
Komatsus machine tracking system, which
allows the equipments location, performance and
service requirements to be monitored at all times;
in case of any alarm notifications, the fleet
manager is informed via email.
The 2,710 kg (5,974 lb) operating weight
allows the mini excavator to be moved using a
small trailer. No truck is required to easily trans-
port the machine to a job site and back to the yard.
* Product photos in this article may show optional equipment.

Views 2008 No.4 15

 CURRENT
Royal Treatment at Newly Opened
TOPICS
Plant in Thailand
By Eiji Nakaoka, Bangkok Komatsu Co., Ltd.
angkok Komatsu Co., Ltd. (BKC) held an
B opening ceremony for a second plant on
August 26, 2008, which was attended by Her
Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
of Thailand.
Since its establishment in 1995, BKC has
developed steadily and is now a global sourcing
base for Komatsu, operating as a production plant
for hydraulic excavators that exports to 27 coun-
tries worldwide. The addition of the new plant
boosts production capacity to 9,000 units annually,
aimed at further growth.
Around 1,000 people welcomed HRH
Princess Sirindhorn on the day of the ceremony,
including customers, distributors and representa-
tives from partner companies in and outside of
Thailand, as well as Mr. Masahiro Sakane,
chairman of Komatsu Ltd., BKC employees
and their families.
A presentation on KOMTRAX, Komatsus
machine tracking system, was also given at the
ceremony. A large 120-in screen was used to
provide explanations to HRH Princess Sirindhorn
HRH Princess Sirindhorn listens attentively to an explanation from
Mr. Eiji Nakaoka, president of BKC.
HRH Princess Sirindhorn (right) welcomed
by Dr. Phornthep Phornprapha (second from
right), chairman of Bangkok Komatsu Co.,
Ltd. (BKC), and Mr. Masahiro Sakane (third
from left), chairman of Komatsu Ltd.
BKC plant
HRH Princess Sirindhorn listens to an explanation of KOMTRAX.
on the operating status and detailed data of the
system, utilizing an actual KOMTRAX display of
a BKC-made hydraulic excavator equipped with
the system. Currently, there are over 120,000
KOMTRAX-equipped machines worldwide
(as of October 2008).
Well-versed in information technology,
HRH Princess Sirindhorn displayed a keen interest
in KOMTRAX, asking such questions as: Can
information be viewed in real-time? and What
kind of communication tool can it be used as?
Afterwards, HRH Princess Sirindhorn
observed the new assembly line and even made
an unscheduled stop at the area housing the weld-
ing robots. She took photos and notes throughout
her visit and stayed almost twice as long as
initially expected.
It was a great honor to have HRH Princess
Sirindhorn attend the ceremony, and upon this
occasion Komatsu renewed its drive to further
contribute to global business development.
This magazine is printed on recycled paper and is recyclable.
Form No. AEN00003-14