Since our foundation in 1895, KATO has made breakthroughs
by using our creativeness and independent vision.
Constantly taking the role of trailblazer upon
ourselves throughout our industry's history has
brought us to where we are today and we intend
to keep striving to provide our customers with
quality products and service.
1895
Founded
as a private enterprise,
KATO Iron Works
1923
Began
manufacturing internal combustion locomotives
and motor cars for rail use; and designated
as factory by the Ministry of Railway
1935
Reorganized
a private enterprise, established as an incorporated
entity
1938
Began
production of engines, tractors, road rollers,
cranes etc
1959
Began
production of hydraulic truck cranes and
earth boring rigs
1963
Began
production of street sweeper
Began production of paper drain machine
Completed phase 1 construction and began
operation of Ibaraki plant
Entered volume production of truck crane
1967
Began
production of fully-hydraulic excavator
1969
Completed
NK-750 Jumbo the largest truck crane in the
world
1970
Stock
listed in 1st section on Tokyo Stock Exchange
1980
Began
production of rough terrain crane
Began operations of Gunma plant
1985
New
Headquarters building completed and celebrated
50th anniversary of establishment
1987
Began
production of all terrain crane
Began production "V"series excavator
equipped with APC
(advanced microcomputerised system).
1991
Began
production of Cityrange type crane
1994
Began
production of SUPER EXCEED series
1995
100
year anniversary of foundation
Completed the largest truck crane
NK-5000 (500 tonnes)
1998
Obtained
ISO 9001
Certification
2004
Kimiyasu Kato was inaugurated as President.
Introduced NK-550VR
