Kawasaki

Company History: Kawasaki

Kawasaki began its operations in 1878 when entrepreneur Shōzō Kawasaki established a shipbuilding yard in Tokyo’s harbor. The first major project — an 80-ton vessel — marked a successful start and paved the way for the company’s large-scale development in Japan’s industrial sector.

By the turn of the 20th century, Kawasaki had actively diversified its production, launching lines for railway equipment, marine engines, and aviation. By the 1920s, the company had secured a strong position in the defense industry, and in the postwar period, it expanded manufacturing and built international partnerships.

In the second half of the 20th century, Kawasaki moved beyond transport engineering, developing motorcycles, construction machinery, automated systems, and aerospace solutions.

Key Milestones

• 1906–1907 — Launch of locomotive and marine gas turbine engine production
• 1922 — First Kawasaki-designed aircraft
• 1950s–60s — Expansion into automotive and motorcycle manufacturing; global market entry
• 1969 — Development of the world’s first industrial robot “Kawasaki-Unimate” in collaboration with Unimation
• 1970s — Participation in Japan’s national space program
• 1989–1998 — Involvement in the engineering and construction of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge — a landmark project and one of the world’s longest suspension bridges
• 2002 — Establishment of Kawasaki Precision Machinery Ltd. for hydraulic systems and machinery production
• 2007 — Launch of construction equipment assembly lines in the USA and China
• 2010s — Integration of automation and eco-friendly technologies into production

Today, Kawasaki is a global corporation comprising over 50 holding companies and more than 100 subsidiaries worldwide. Its product portfolio spans a wide range of industries — from construction and agriculture to heavy industry and mining. The company supports a certified dealer network providing original equipment, spare parts, and technical services worldwide.

TechCom supplies genuine Kawasaki machinery, certified components, and technical support — ensuring reliable performance in the most demanding environments.