Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. (KHI) (川崎重工業株式会社, Kawasaki Jūkōgyō Kabushiki-gaisha) is a Japanese public multinational corporation that engages in the manufacture of a diverse range of products and services, including motorcycles, heavy equipment, aerospace and defense equipment, rolling stock, and ships.
History
The company was founded by Shōzō Kawasaki and is recognized as one of the three major heavy industrial manufacturers in Japan, along with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and IHI Corporation. Historically, KHI was part of the Kobe Kawasaki zaibatsu, a conglomerate which also included Kawasaki Steel and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha.
Subsidiaries and Divisions
Kawasaki Heavy Industries operates various subsidiaries and divisions, each specializing in different sectors:
Kawasaki Motors
Kawasaki Motors originated from Kawasaki Aircraft Industries and is prominent in the manufacturing of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, utility vehicles, and personal watercraft.
Kawasaki Railcar Manufacturing
The Kawasaki Railcar Manufacturing Company produces rolling stock and is responsible for several generations of electric multiple unit (EMU) trains, such as the C151 series and its successors, including the C151A, C151B, and C151C.
Kawasaki Aerospace Systems Company
The Kawasaki Aerospace Systems Company focuses on the development and production of aircraft and space systems, playing a critical role in both the aerospace industry and national defense.
Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation
Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary, producing a variety of vessels, such as high-performance LNG carriers, LPG carriers, container ships, and submarines.
Recent Developments
In response to financial challenges in the 21st century, Kawasaki Heavy Industries entered a joint venture with Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co. to stabilize its operations. Despite initial setbacks, the venture was terminated by the end of 2001, and KHI has continued to operate independently.