History
A Century of History, A Century of Challenges.
KOBELCO started compressor business by manufacturing Japan's very first reciprocating compressor in 1915. Ever since then, we have offered various products contributing to production sustainability. We will endeavor to improve our technical capabilities acquired over the course of our history, extend our business frontiers, and make a greater contribution to society.
The History of KOBELCO COMPRESSORS CORPORATION
COMPANY HISTORY
1905：The general partnership trading company Suzuki Shoten acquired Kobayashi Seikosho and changed its name to Kobe Seikosho.
Kobe Steel Works, Ltd. established
Kobe Steel Works, Ltd. started a machinery business.
1915：Started production of Japan's first high-pressure reciprocating compressor
1956：Started production of Japan's first oil-free screw compressor
Established a screw compressor production plant in Takasago, Hyogo
1961：Started production of oil-cooled screw compressors
1963：Started production of Japan's first screw refrigerator
1972：Started production of heat pumps
Completed a standard compressor production plant in Okubo, Hyogo
Fully started the general-purpose compressor business
Completed an integrated production plant in Harima-cho, Hyogo
1988：Established a compressor production plant in Elkhart, USA (currently KCMI)
1996：Started knockdown manufacturing in Singapore (currently KMA)
Established KOBELCO COMPRESSORS CORPORATION
1999：Established a sales office in Manila in the Philippines (currently KCMP)
2000：Established a sales office in Shanghai, China (currently the KCS Group)
2003：Established a sales office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (currently KCM)
Integrated SHINSHO Corporation's general-purchase compressor business
2004：Established a manufacturing plant in Shanghai, China (currently KCMS)*
*Opened in 2005
2005：Established sales offices in Shenzhen and in Beijing, China (currently KCSG and KCSB respectively)
2011：Established a sales office in Hanoi, Vietnam (currently KCV)
2015：Established a sales office in Gurgaon (currently called Gurugram), India (currently KCIN)
2015：Established a sales office in Bangkok, Thailand (currently KCTH)
2018：Concentrated all domestic production operations for general-purpose compressors within the Harima Plant
KOBE STEEL, LTD.'s manufacturing operations for general-purpose compressors transferred to KOBELCO COMPRESSORS CORPORATION integrating all general-purpose compressor operations
Started capital and business partnership with Miura Co., Ltd.
2022：Celebrated the 25th anniversary of the foundation of KOBELCO COMPRESSORS CORPORATION
2025：Established a new corporate philosophy structure
Completed a new office building at the Harima Plant
