Komatsu is to acquire GHH Group (GHH), the German manufacturer of underground mining, tunnelling and special equipment.

The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2023 and no financial details have been disclosed.

Based in Gelsenkirchen, GHH was founded in the 1960s and is currently part of the German-owned Schmidt Kranz Group.

GHH makes load haul dumpers (LHD), underground dump trucks, face drills, bolters and utility trucks and vehicles.

The acquisition will add GHH’s factories and rebuild facilities in key markets, including a manufacturing plant in South Africa.

Peter Salditt, president and CEO, Komatsu Mining Corp, 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.”

Komatsu said GHH would operate “as usual” following the acquisition; “The combined team will then work together to expand Komatsu’s offering for underground mining equipment and increase customer access to products in new territories.”

The CEO of GHH, Dr Jan Petzold, said the company was excited to work 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.”