When we asked ourselves: "What sort of social contribution activities would meet the needs of regional communities and make the best use of Komatsu's strengths?" We arrived at the answer: "developing people." We are working in cooperation with several entities such as national and local governments as well as schools, to carry out human resource development programs that are tailored to each region's needs and enable participants to acquire skills that will open up various employment opportunities.
Using the skills and know-how cultivated through its business activities, Komatsu supports the development of human resources needed not only within the company but also in communities around the world.
The needs for human resource development differ significantly from region to region. As a company operating globally, Komatsu works to gain a thorough understanding of the support required in each region and provides assistance across a variety of fields and in various forms.
The pyramid diagram below shows the fields in which Komatsu supports human resource development. Programs closer to the top of the pyramid are more closely related to Komatsu’s business activities. Initiatives at the base of the pyramid include science classes for elementary school students and are actively conducted mainly in Japan, North America, and Europe. The next level involves providing basic education to people who are unable, or were previously unable, to receive sufficient education required for employment due to various circumstances in their countries or regions. Komatsu has developed its own programs in South America, South Africa, and other regions. Komatsu also supports universities and vocational training schools across a wide range of regions by providing its curricula and equipment and dispatching instructors. At the top of the pyramid, Komatsu collaborates with national and local governments and customers to develop human resources in regions where human resource development is a social challenge.
Specific forms of support include dispatching instructors, providing educational materials, equipment, and facilities, and accepting trainees, making full use of the wide range of know-how Komatsu has developed through its day-to-day activities.
Dispatching instructors
Providing educational materials and equipment
Providing facilities and supporting operations
Accepting apprentices
Komatsu Group companies operating in South Africa are committed to contributing to inclusive economic growth in alignment with the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act, by promoting the employment and development of local talent and enhancing diversity across the supply chain.
Komatsu South Africa (Pty) Ltd. implements the “Career Wise Bursary Programme” for students who face challenges in accessing higher education. The program provides comprehensive support, including tuition fees, study materials, and living expenses, as well as academic assistance and psychosocial support, enabling participants to overcome financial barriers while developing their capabilities. The program focuses on critical skill areas such as engineering and logistics, contributing to the development of a future talent pipeline. In 2025, 50 students benefited from the program, of which approximately 60% were women, contributing to improved gender diversity. Feedback from participants highlighted that the program expanded their career options and future opportunities.
Komatsu Mining Corp. Franklin collaborated with local educational institutions and manufacturing companies to deliver a hands-on skills development program for technical high school students. The program provided opportunities for participants to take part in welding and machining challenges designed to reflect real-world scenarios, with the aim of helping students develop practical skills and knowledge aligned with industry needs.
In February 2026, a total of 13 students from 7 local schools participated in the program. By working under time constraints to complete assigned tasks, students enhanced not only their technical capabilities but also their problem-solving and practical skills. The program also included networking opportunities and career insights through engagement with local employers, enabling students to gain a deeper understanding of potential career paths.
In addition, top-performing participants were offered scholarships for further education or tool packages to support their chosen career paths. Through these initiatives, the program contributes to expanding the pipeline of skilled trades talent and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the regional industrial base.
In March 2026, Komatsu renewed the CSR collaboration agreement it entered into in 2016 with Cummins Inc. (headquartered in the United States; Chair and CEO: Jennifer Rumsey; hereinafter “Cummins”), a global leader in engine technologies. The agreement provides a comprehensive framework for jointly promoting human resource development and community contribution programs in the field of CSR. Building on their partnership in construction equipment and engine technologies, the two companies have supported the creation of employment opportunities for young people through practical technical and vocational education. The programs are currently being implemented at 30 locations in 14 countries and have produced more than 1,200 graduates to date. In April 2026, employees from both companies also participated as volunteers in a tree-planting activity in Australia organized by Landcare Australia, a nonprofit organization engaged in environmental conservation. Working together with the local community, they contributed to the restoration of the natural environment around rivers.
Through the renewal of the collaboration agreement, the two companies reaffirmed their shared commitment to long-term community contribution activities. They will further strengthen collaboration with educational institutions and related organizations, while creating social contribution activities in which employees from both companies can readily participate and expanding opportunities for human resource development initiatives linked to their respective businesses.
| Corporate name |
Cummins Inc. |
|---|---|
| Established |
1919 |
| Headquarters |
Columbus, Indiana, U.S. |
| Business segments |
Engine, Power systems, Components, Distribution |
| URL |