In the World of Big Stuff, the US Still Rules

westlake writes "From Peoria, the WSJ a look at the giant trucks manufactured by Komatsu and Caterpillar. 'In certain areas — notably aircraft, industrial engines, excavators and railway and mining equipment — the U.S. exports far more than it imports. These industries produce relatively small numbers of very expensive goods, requiring specialized technology and labor. Their competitive advantage rests partly on expertise built by U.S. companies in making durable, high-tech weaponry and other equipment for the military — frequently applicable to other products.' It may surprise you to learn that Komatsu doesn't employee a single industrial robot. The quality of workmanship simply isn't there where it is needed."

Re:Except Komatsu is a Japanese company.

[Sperbels]

But how Japanese could it be if it has no robots?

Re:Thank Goodness

[iONiUM]

I don't know, my friend read this Slashdot story once that had no anecdotes in it at all. So, it does happen.

Re:surely, you're joking

[Aranykai]

Mine doesn't either. For instance, instead of a 1 inch box end wrench, I have a 25.4mm box end wrench.