New KOBELCO construction machinery testing centre planned in Kato City

28 September 2026
Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.

Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. has decided to establish a new facility for the testing and evaluation of construction machinery at the Yamaguni District Industrial Park in Kato City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.

The project forms part of the company’s measures to strengthen its business foundation by reorganising business locations and consolidating functions. The initiative will support operational efficiency, sustainable growth and future technological development.

A new testing and evaluation hub in Hyogo Prefecture

The new facility will be developed within the Yamaguni District Industrial Park in Kato City. The industrial park development project has progressed through a public-private partnership involving Kato City and Geo Planners Co., Ltd., based in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture.

Approximately 100,000 m² of the 340,000 m² of acquired land will be developed as business premises. Current plans include a construction machinery testing site and painting facilities.

The location was selected for its access to the wider transport network and its potential to support the future expansion of the business premises.

Strengthening the KOBELCO business foundation

The new hub will consolidate construction machinery testing and evaluation functions that are currently dispersed across different locations.

This consolidation is intended to improve operational efficiency, strengthen governance and optimise fixed costs. It will also help establish a robust business foundation capable of responding flexibly to changes in the business environment.

Through the development of the site, Kobelco Construction Machinery will also work to foster coexistence with the local community while building a foundation for sustainable business growth.

Future testing for automation and environmental technologies

The primary purpose of the facility is to strengthen the company’s business foundation. However, Kobelco Construction Machinery is also considering its future use as a testing and evaluation site for automation, remote operation and environmental technologies.

These potential applications will support the company’s response to digital transformation, green transformation and carbon neutrality while contributing to technological development in the construction machinery sector.

Provisional project schedule

Financial Year 2026: Commencement of site preparation works
Financial Year 2027: Commencement of external works and building construction
Financial Year 2029: Planned commencement of operations

Project overview

Location: Yamaguni District Industrial Park, Kato City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Site area: Approximately 100,000 m²
Land acquired: Approximately 340,000 m²
Intended use: Testing ground facilities for construction machinery
Planned start of construction: Financial Year 2026
Planned commencement of operations: Financial Year 2029

Enquiries

Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
Corporate Communications Group
Telephone: +81 3 5789 2112

The information provided is current as of the publication date and is subject to change without notice.

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