The company will now only offer PRS solutions, which are sold under the company's Joy brand, via manufacturer partners. It cited a desire to "reduce costs and maximize performance".
The company has previously manufactured its own PRS designs, but is changing to focusing on designing and engineering.
Despite the adjustment, the OEM said it is committed to the longwall market. It will continue to provide Joy engineered PRS solutions, designing bespoke roof supports, and continue to design and manufacture Joy armoured face conveyors, shearers and longwall controls - including PRS controls.
In addition, its project management, quality and integration services for longwall systems will stay in place.
Komatsu said it does expect any existing order fulfilment disruptions, and service and support functions by it and its global partner network will continue.
"As customers look to cut costs in the evolving coal market, we want to help provide flexibility while continuing to offer the core competencies we are known for in this space: Joy custom-engineered PRS solutions," senior vice president of Joy underground soft rock Jason Savage said.
"We will continue to provide, and further develop, the design and technical support of engineered PRS solutions to help our customers mine efficiently and safely while enabling access to lower cost manufacturing sources to reduce up-front investment."
The equipment maker said that there could potentially be changes to its manufacturing footprint as a result of the move, and those could impact its Manchester and Worcester facilities in the UK. However, no immediate changes are being confirmed and no more details are available.
"We are focused on working with our employees and our customers to make this transition as smooth as possible and empower the global mining market with the highest levels of longwall automation, remote operation, safety and productivity," Savage said.
In addition to the PRS plans, Komastu also confirmed it is divesting its US and Australian conveying businesses, including Joy Global Conveyors, to investment group Stellex Capital.
The OEM said it has decided to sell to "develop new capabilities and diversify" but did not provide financial details.
In addition to JGC, the buyer also will be acquiring the assets, facilities (in Winfield, Alabama, US and Somersby, New South Wales, Australia) and a transfer of employees.
Together, they will form a new standalone organization owned by Stellex Capital to be called Continental Global Material Handling.
"The new entity plans to leverage legacy equipment brands Continental and Goodman-Hewitt, which are part of the sale," Komatsu said.
The official close of the sale is expected within 30 days.
Underground and hard rock mining president Peter Salditt called the sale a way for its conveying teams to continue growing as part of a new organization.
"Stellex has a history of investing in businesses with similar profiles and has a proven track record of success," he added.
The sale does not include Komatsu's UK conveyor business. The executive said because that business division has a very customized business model that focuses on construction and civil tunneling, it does not line up with the Stellex portfolio.
