Another record-breaker
On the Komatsu Europe stand, from the moment doors opened on the morning of Monday April 8, the mood was positive and constructive. Everyone was aware that this was a unique one-week opportunity. Bauma 2019 was a platform for presenting new Komatsu products and services to European distributors and customers from all parts of the world, for increasing awareness for existing ones, for valuable, personal discussions around ideas and solutions and for strengthening the Komatsu brand on the European market.
These goals were clear, and results exceeded all expectations. Komatsu unveiled novelties that will mark a turning point for owners and operators, and for the entire construction industry.
“For Komatsu, bauma 2019 was a great success!” says Naser Memic Rendon, Marketing Communications Group Manager, Komatsu Europe. “The event gave us the opportunity to confirm our commitment to the German and European construction and mining markets. We presented our latest innovations, announced future services and created great expectations for our customers. This was a fantastic fair for exhibitors and visitors alike, and it certainly was for Komatsu. “
Positive and professional
At Komatsu Europe, preparations and build up for the next bauma fair begin as soon as the previous edition closes its doors. Over the months and years leading up to the 2019 fair, new locations were rented, with more space for a massive show to entertain more visitors. A new stand was designed and built, open and airy, upgraded with catering facilities on a second floor, giving visitors a great perspective on the machines, giant video screen, shops, reception desks and meeting rooms down below.
Early the next morning, the doors of Messe München opened to an already large number of visitors. For Komatsu the opening was smooth and professional, with many lively and positive commercial contacts right from that very first day, reflecting an active market in a positive trend.
The experienced counter staff welcomed hundreds of visitors. They provided support and answered all the questions about Komatsu at the fair, with each person encouraged to find out more about Komatsu Europe’s range of products and services.
Machines and Services
Komatsu Utility and Construction Machines had been strategically selected and placed on the indoor stand, with others ready for action on the demo ground outside. From the versatile MR-5 mini excavators up to a powerful PC4000-11 mining machine, and from the newer dash 8 backhoe loaders, dash 11 excavators and “dash 8” wheel loaders to other recognised Komatsu models, the entire Komatsu Europe range was represented, with a focus on safety, innovative designs and comfort.
The new EU Stage V WA475-10 wheel loader, with the innovative Komatsu Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission (KHMT) technology was displayed its own dedicated area and drew high interest from many Komatsu distributors and journalists. More powerful and up to 30% more fuel-efficient, the WA475-10 offers newly designed steering and bucket and increased lifting power and break out force.
A Total Solution corner highlighted Total Cost of Ownership calculation and proposed self-service touch screens to visitors who could easily learn about Komatsu Qualified Used Equipment programme, OFR, service agreements, optimal fleet recommendation, Komatsu CARE, KomVision, and the KOMTRAX wireless monitoring system, standard on all new machines. Space on the stand was also dedicated to Komatsu Finance, a competitive and flexible service offering exclusive benefits to support the purchase of Komatsu equipment.
Digitalisation is a major trend in the construction industry, and Komatsu is among the most advanced in this field. At bauma 2019, a Pavilion was set up on the Komatsu stand for the launch of Smart Construction in Europe. It welcomed journalists and special guests to a tour of touch screens showing an aerial view of a job site and its evolution. The support staff greeted over 800 high quality visitors and provided info and answers about this unique package of Komatsu solutions. On April 12, Dr. Hans Reichhart, Bavarian Minister for Construction and Transport, and Messe München director, Klaus Dietrich were welcomed by Mas Morishita to a tour of the Pavilion.
“Digitalisation has to be included in the entire construction process”, said minister Reichhart. “Every party involved in the construction project must have access to the data”.
Big is beautiful
On the demo ground outside, where larger Komatsu machines could be displayed, the brand new PC4000-11 mining excavator with its moving arm and bucket was the biggest excavator on the fair, and soon became the background for hundreds of videos and selfies. Two other big machines, a PC1250-11 and a HD605-8, were displayed along the outside wall of the main hall.
A coordinated live performance was centred on the demonstration by a D51PXi-24 dozer and a PC210LCi-11 of the ingenuity and benefits for customers of Komatsu’s intelligent Machine control technology and of the Lehnhoff Variolock system. A special “blind digging “show was put on for the introduction of the new PC360LCi-11. Also on the demo ground, the PW148-11 with its Flieger trailer, a new WA100M-8 wheel loader, a PC390HRD-11 demolition excavator and a D375 dozer, with the possibility for special guests to sit at the controls.
Back inside, the catering area quickly filled up, with customers and Komatsu staff enjoying a professional organization and local Bavarian specialties. Queues formed at the Komatsu shop, as visitors bought many scale models of Komatsu machines, give-aways and fashionable T-shirts.
The meeting rooms welcomed representatives from Komatsu European Distributors and prospective customers, in a high class but homey environment where many business deals were made.
Special events
Special events on the Komatsu stand were organised after the fair closed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening, with Komatsu Distributors treating customers to a show of acrobats and food and drink.
The Komatsu Press Conference was held on Tuesday. Mas Morishita, CEO of Komatsu Europe, presented Komatsu’s vision of the future to almost 100 specialised journalists from all over the world, and answered questions about the new Komatsu fully Electric excavator and Komatsu’s future technology.
On the last day of the fair, a huge farewell party gathered over 180 dedicated staff members from KEISA, Lehnhoff and Montabert. Smiles were everywhere after a job well done, with targets met and expectations for both Komatsu and its distributors exceeded.
“Bauma 2019 was an intense and successful week, with many opportunities for development and growth - and a record number of sales” says Mas Morishita. “Our new solutions, centred on safety, performance and intelligence confirmed Komatsu as a frontrunner in digital and environmental innovative technologies. We are all proud to carry the Komatsu brand.”
