Komatsu Australia acquired UMW Niugini Limited, a Papua New Guinea-based distributor, renaming it Komatsu Niugini Limited (KNL).
The deal integrates KNL into the Komatsu Group as a fully owned entity. “As a result of this change in structure, KNL has become a fully owned part of the Komatsu Group,” said Sean Taylor, Komatsu Australia CEO.
The acquisition follows a shift in the ownership structure of the joint venture that previously controlled UMW Niugini. Komatsu Australia, with its strong track record in Oceania, will manage KNL.
“Komatsu Australia is the obvious choice to manage Komatsu Niugini going forward, given our proven expertise and success in the Oceania region,” Taylor said.
KNL’s operations remain based in Port Moresby, with General Manager Dash Rayat leading the transition. The business will tap into Komatsu Australia’s resources, including technical expertise and training programs.
“The KNL team will be able to draw on the resources of the broader Komatsu Australia business, especially our technical expertise and training capabilities to support machine troubleshooting and workforce development,” Taylor said.
Local PNG customers will see no disruption. “Our local PNG customers can expect the same level of support they have always had from their trusted local experts, now supported by the wider Australian business,” Taylor said.
The acquisition also benefits Australian clients with operations in PNG. “We hope this acquisition will also benefit our Australian customers who have connections in PNG as well,” he added.
Komatsu’s move strengthens its mining equipment market share in PNG. “We look forward to welcoming the KNL team and building on the strong foundations already in place in the region, while leveraging our global expertise to create value together,” Taylor said.
KNL joins Komatsu’s growing PNG presence, following the 2024 acquisition of Hastings Deering’s PNG business.
