In Komatsu Restructuring, Laser Operations End.

Construction and earthmoving machinery giant, Komatsu Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan) is restructuring the 4% of its business that deals with factory-automation equipment, primarily in sheet-metal and forming machine operations. Plans call for a marketing-oriented subsidiary, Komatsu Industries Corp. to

The traditional organizational divide had the group's Engineering Division concerned with heavy presses like the Maypres line. Komatsu Machinery Corp., originally the supplier of machine tools to the earthmover plants but independent since 1962, handles cutting machines like the specialized crankshaft-milling machine. Komatsu Industries Corp. has been handling press brakes and related machinery.

Komatsu decided to withdraw from laser machining operations, while pushing precision bending and fine-plasma-jet cutting, the process behind Komatsu Cutting Technologies in the U.S.

To date the Komatsu Industries subsidiary has largely been in charge of selling the parent-company-made non-construction industrial machines as well as their maintenance. Under the new plans the subsidiary will also take over the assembling operation.