The history of Furukawa's involvement with excavation equipment is deeply rooted in its long and distinguished legacy in mining and heavy industrial machinery, beginning in the late 19th century. While the term "excavator" as we know it today evolved over time, Furukawa's foundational work in extracting minerals and manufacturing robust machinery laid the groundwork for its expertise in modern excavation equipment.
Early Foundations in Mining and Machinery
Furukawa's journey began with a strong focus on resource extraction, particularly copper mining. This direct engagement with the challenges of digging and moving earth and rock naturally led to the development and refinement of specialized machinery for these tasks.
Key milestones in Furukawa's early history that are pertinent to its eventual role in excavation machinery include:
- Company Foundation (1870-1875): The company was founded during this period, marked by the commencement of operations at the Kusakura Copper Mine in Niigata. This initial focus on mining established a practical need for efficient excavation methods.
- Pioneering Excavation Tools (1885): A significant step towards modern excavation technology was taken in 1885 when Furukawa began incorporating rock drills for excavating mine cavities. This demonstrated an early commitment to mechanizing the challenging process of material removal.
- Establishing Manufacturing Capabilities (1887): Further cementing its path in heavy machinery, Furukawa established the Manufacturing Section at the Ashio Copper Mine in 1887. This initiative was crucial, as it marked the beginning of in-house machinery repair and manufacturing, building the engineering expertise necessary for designing and producing robust equipment for demanding mining and excavation environments.
Chronology of Key Developments
The following table highlights the critical early steps that paved the way for Furukawa's expertise in excavation machinery:
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1870-1875 | Company foundation; began operation of Kusakura Copper Mine. | Established the core business in mining, creating a demand for excavation tools. |
| 1885 | Began using rock drills to excavate mine cavity. | Marked the adoption of mechanized tools specifically for excavation. |
| 1887 | Set up Manufacturing Section at Ashio Copper Mine; began machinery repair and manufacturing. | Developed in-house expertise for designing, building, and maintaining heavy-duty mining and excavation machinery. |
These early developments underscore Furukawa's proactive approach to innovation in the mining sector. By starting with the direct application of tools like rock drills for excavation and then moving into the self-sufficiency of machinery manufacturing, Furukawa built a profound understanding of the requirements for durable and efficient excavation equipment. This foundational knowledge in heavy industrial machinery, driven by real-world mining needs, served as the bedrock for the evolution of its product lines, eventually encompassing a range of specialized excavators designed for various construction and mining applications.
