Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is a Japanese engineering and manufacturing group serving energy, infrastructure, logistics, aerospace, defense, space, and industrial markets.
Last updated October 13, 2026
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Overview
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) is a Tokyo-headquartered Japanese multinational engineering and manufacturing group and one of the core companies associated with the Mitsubishi Group. Its activities extend across energy systems, aerospace, defense, shipbuilding, transportation equipment, industrial machinery, environmental systems, logistics and infrastructure. The company supplies both finished systems and highly engineered components, often working as a long-term industrial partner for governments, utilities, airlines, shipowners, rail operators and major manufacturers. MHI’s industrial roots reach back to the Nagasaki ironworks and shipyard established under the Tokugawa shogunate in the nineteenth century. Mitsubishi founder Iwasaki Yatarō leased the Nagasaki facility in 1884 and subsequently acquired it, creating the foundation for Mitsubishi’s shipbuilding and machinery businesses. The organization expanded through shipyards and machinery works in Nagasaki, Kobe, Yokohama and Shimonoseki. It became Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 1934 and, before and during the Second World War, produced ships, aircraft, railway equipment and heavy machinery, including military vessels. After Japan’s defeat, occupation-era measures broke the prewar Mitsubishi zaibatsu into separate companies. The Nagasaki, Kobe and Yokohama businesses operated independently under different names during the early 1950s. In 1964 they were recombined, creating the modern Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. The group later separated its automobile-parts activity into Mitsubishi Motors in 1970, although MHI remained connected to the Mitsubishi corporate network. The modern company is organized around large-scale industrial technologies rather than a single consumer-facing product category. Its energy activities include gas turbines, steam turbines, power-generation equipment, nuclear systems, hydrogen and decarbonization technologies, and services for installed equipment. Its aerospace and defense operations include aircraft structures and engines, military aircraft production under license or domestic programs, missiles, armored vehicles, naval systems and space launch vehicles. MHI has also been a principal industrial participant in Japan’s H-IIA, H-IIB and H3 launch programs. Transportation and machinery have historically included railway systems, air-conditioning equipment, elevators, forklifts, hydraulic machinery, printing presses and machine tools. Shipbuilding remains an important historical capability, although the company has increasingly concentrated on specialized vessels and other higher-value industrial work. MHI has pursued joint ventures, acquisitions and business transfers to strengthen selected technologies, including power-generation partnerships with Hitachi, aviation acquisitions from Bombardier, and the purchase of a small gas-turbine business from Pratt & Whitney Power Systems. The company’s civil-aircraft ambitions included the Mitsubishi Regional Jet, later renamed SpaceJet. Persistent certification, development and commercial challenges, compounded by the COVID-19 shock to aviation, led MHI to halt the program. In parallel, MHI acquired Bombardier’s CRJ program in 2020, creating MHI RJ Aviation Group and expanding its aircraft-support capabilities. In recent years MHI has emphasized energy transition, defense modernization, digital services and lifecycle maintenance as growth areas while continuing to operate as a diversified global industrial group.
History
MHI’s historical base is the Nagasaki Yotetsusho, a Western-style ironworks and shipyard begun in 1857 with Dutch technical assistance. Construction was completed in 1861, and the facility later came under the new Meiji government. In 1884 Mitsubishi founder Iwasaki Yatarō leased the works, renamed it the Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works, and expanded Mitsubishi’s shipbuilding activities. Mitsubishi acquired the shipyards in 1887. Additional facilities followed in Kobe, Yokohama and Shimonoseki, broadening the business from ship repair and construction into industrial machinery, merchant vessels, railway equipment and other heavy manufacturing. The Nagasaki company became Mitsubishi Shipbuilding & Engineering Company in 1917 and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 1934. By then it was one of Japan’s largest private industrial enterprises. Its shipyards built commercial and naval vessels, while its wider manufacturing network produced aircraft, heavy machinery and railway cars. Wartime military contracts made the Nagasaki facilities strategically important and exposed them to Allied bombing. The battleship Musashi was completed at Nagasaki in 1942. The company’s wartime history is therefore inseparable from Japan’s military-industrial mobilization and the destruction suffered by Nagasaki in 1945. Postwar occupation policy dissolved the Mitsubishi zaibatsu and divided the company’s principal facilities into West Japan Heavy Industries, Central Japan Heavy Industries and East Japan Heavy Industries in 1950. Following the end of the occupation, the businesses adopted Mitsubishi-related names again in 1952. In 1964 the three companies were merged into the present Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. The company subsequently diversified into aerospace, defense, power systems, transportation, industrial machinery and environmental technologies. Its automobile-parts activity became an independent company, Mitsubishi Motors, in 1970. From the late twentieth century onward, MHI pursued international partnerships and technology-intensive programs. It developed aircraft and aerospace components, produced defense aircraft under license and became a major contractor for Japanese space launch vehicles. In power generation it developed large gas turbines and nuclear technologies while entering partnerships with Hitachi and overseas companies. MHI also explored major strategic combinations, including merger discussions with Hitachi in 2011 and a joint bid with Siemens for parts of Alstom in 2014. The company’s SpaceJet regional-aircraft project became a major strategic challenge. Repeated delays and development costs contributed to losses, and the program was ultimately halted during the pandemic-era collapse in air travel. MHI nevertheless strengthened its aviation-services position by acquiring Bombardier’s CRJ program in 2020. It has also continued to reshape its portfolio through divestments, including the sale of its machine-tools business to Nidec in 2021 and the planned withdrawal from newspaper rotary printing presses announced in 2024. Today MHI combines legacy heavy manufacturing with defense, space, power generation, decarbonization and lifecycle-service businesses.
- 2025
Eisaku Ito became president and CEO
[13]Eisaku Ito assumed the president and CEO role, succeeding Seiji Izumisawa in the company’s leadership transition.
- 2023
Concentric acquisition completed
[8]MHI completed the purchase of North American power-management company Concentric.
- 2020
CRJ acquisition completed
[1]MHI completed its acquisition of Bombardier's CRJ program and formed MHI RJ Aviation Group.
- 2020
SpaceJet development halted
[1]MHI stopped the SpaceJet development program after continuing delays, costs and aviation-market disruption.
- 2020
CRJ support business acquired
[9]MHI completed the acquisition of Bombardier’s CRJ program activities, excluding production, creating MHI RJ Aviation Group.
- 2020
BEAVER brand reaches 50 years
[6]MHI Thermal Systems marked the fiftieth anniversary of its BEAVER air-conditioner brand with a new advertising campaign.
- 2018
PESO-oriented communications initiative
[15]The company expanded customer touchpoints using paid, earned, shared, and owned media perspectives, supported by digital data and media analysis.
- 2016
“Move the world forward” introduced
[5]MHI launched a group statement, tagline, and SPECTRA media platform to strengthen its international corporate identity.
- 2015
Global communications strengthening
[15]MHI began strengthening its global communications strategy, later linking corporate communications with digital marketing and product outreach.
- 2014
Thermal-power joint venture begins
[1]The MHI-Hitachi thermal-power joint venture began operations after the companies combined their relevant businesses.
Products and positioning
A diversified, engineering-led Japanese heavy-industry and infrastructure group focused on complex, capital-intensive systems, government and enterprise customers, and long-term lifecycle services. A diversified Japanese engineering group positioned as a global technology and infrastructure partner for reliable energy, industrial productivity, mobility, aerospace, defense, and the transition to net zero.
Space systems · 2023
H3 launch vehicle
Japan's current flagship orbital launch vehicle, developed and produced by MHI for launch services involving government and commercial payloads. It follows MHI's role with the H-IIA and H-IIB families and forms a central part of the company's space business.
Space systems · 2001
H-IIA and H-IIB
Earlier Japanese launch-vehicle families produced and operated by MHI in cooperation with Japan's space institutions. They supported national spacecraft, international payloads and logistics missions before the transition toward the H3 program.
Nuclear power
Mitsubishi APWR
An advanced pressurized-water reactor design developed by MHI for nuclear-power applications. The design represents the company's long-running role in reactor engineering, nuclear equipment and fuel-related industrial capabilities.
Power generation · 2011
Large gas turbines
MHI develops heavy-duty gas turbines and combined-cycle power systems for utility and industrial customers. Its J-Series technology introduced higher-temperature operation and efficiency improvements through advanced turbine materials and thermal-barrier coatings.
Civil aerospace · 2008
SpaceJet / Mitsubishi Regional Jet
A proposed 70-to-90-seat regional aircraft originally called the Mitsubishi Regional Jet and later SpaceJet. The program faced repeated certification and development delays and was halted after the aviation downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aviation services · 2020
MHI RJ Aviation Group
The aviation business created after MHI acquired Bombardier's CRJ program. It includes aircraft-support capabilities, service centers and program-related intellectual property associated with the CRJ regional-aircraft family.
Defense
Defense aircraft and missile systems
MHI produces and supports military aircraft, missiles, helicopters, armored vehicles and related systems for Japan's defense sector. Its history includes licensed production of aircraft such as the F-15J and Mitsubishi H-60 family, alongside domestic defense programs.
Shipbuilding · 1884
Ships and marine systems
Shipbuilding is MHI's foundational business. Its Japanese facilities have produced naval vessels, merchant ships, LNG carriers, passenger vessels and specialized commercial ships, with later activity increasingly focused on selected high-value marine segments. Shipbuilding is the historical foundation of MHI. The group has produced commercial vessels, naval vessels, submarines, marine machinery, and related engineering services through its shipyard and marine businesses. Contemporary marine activities are shaped by demand for specialized vessels, defense requirements, lifecycle services, and the broader restructuring of Japan’s shipbuilding industry.
Power generation and decarbonization
Energy systems
MHI supplies large-scale energy systems including gas-turbine combined-cycle plants, steam-power equipment, nuclear-power technologies, power-generation services, and related controls. Its energy-transition portfolio includes hydrogen and ammonia co-firing, carbon capture, storage-related solutions, and other technologies intended to reduce emissions while retaining reliable and dispatchable generation. MHI supplies gas turbines, steam turbines, generators, power-plant equipment, and related services. Through its energy businesses, the group addresses conventional generation, efficiency improvement, hydrogen and ammonia co-firing, carbon capture, and other lower-emission energy applications. These offerings are generally sold as engineered systems or long-term service arrangements to utilities, industrial customers, and project developers.
Renewable energy
Renewable and distributed energy solutions
The group's lower-carbon portfolio includes wind-related equipment, distributed power, energy-management systems, and integrated solutions for industrial and commercial users. MHI increasingly combines generation, cooling, storage or power management, and digital monitoring rather than treating individual machines as standalone products.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning · 1970
BEAVER air conditioners
BEAVER is MHI Thermal Systems' residential air-conditioner brand, supported by commercial HVAC products and control technologies. The product positioning emphasizes comfort, energy efficiency, and advanced functions. A 2020 advertising program highlighted the brand's five-decade history and promoted newer residential and commercial systems.
Industrial machinery and infrastructure
Industrial and logistics systems
MHI manufactures and engineers equipment for logistics, material handling, factories, metals processing, compressors, engines, drives, and other industrial applications. These businesses generally serve professional customers through project delivery, systems integration, maintenance, and lifecycle services.
Aerospace and defense
Aircraft, defense, and space systems
MHI participates in aircraft structures and engines, defense equipment, missile and naval systems, launch vehicles, and space infrastructure. The segment combines manufacturing with government contracts, engineering, sustainment, and long-term technical support. MHI also operates regional-aircraft support activities through MHI RJ Aviation Group. MHI develops and manufactures defense platforms and systems including missiles, tanks, naval systems, military aircraft, and integrated command or support capabilities. Its space activities include launch vehicles and related space-launch technologies developed in cooperation with Japanese public-sector and aerospace institutions. This portfolio is closely tied to Japanese government procurement, export controls, national security policy, and international cooperation.
Industrial infrastructure
Plants and infrastructure systems
This area covers industrial plants, environmental systems, chemical and process equipment, waste-treatment solutions, and infrastructure engineering. MHI’s role can include design, equipment supply, construction support, commissioning, digital control, and maintenance. The business reflects the company’s traditional strength in integrating multiple engineering disciplines into large, site-specific projects.
Industrial machinery
Logistics, thermal, and drive systems
MHI’s industrial machinery portfolio includes material-handling and logistics equipment, compressors, refrigeration and thermal systems, engines, turbochargers, hydraulic equipment, and industrial drives. These products serve factories, warehouses, transport operators, construction businesses, and other commercial customers. Shared technologies in turbomachinery, controls, and mechanical systems are applied across several product families.
Aerospace manufacturing
Aerospace systems
MHI participates in commercial and defense aerospace through aircraft structures, components, propulsion-related systems, and integrated aerospace engineering. Its commercial aviation work has included major airframe programs, while its defense activities include military aircraft and associated systems. The business depends on long development cycles, stringent certification, international partnerships, and complex supply-chain management.
Controversies
1974
Bombing of MHI Tokyo headquarters
MHI's Tokyo headquarters was targeted in a bombing that killed eight people. The event was part of a broader period of political violence in Japan and was not described in the supplied material as a product or corporate-governance scandal.
1974
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries bombing
A bombing occurred at an MHI building in Tokyo in 1974 and was attributed to the East Asia Anti-Japan Armed Front. The attack caused fatalities and injuries and is remembered as a major act of domestic terrorism in Japan.
Marketing campaigns
- 2024WIND EXPO and World Nuclear Exhibition participation
Japan and Europe
MHI used major energy-industry exhibitions, including WIND EXPO and the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris, for corporate and product communications.
- 2023DESI Japan industry event promotion
Japan
MHI-related promotional materials cited DESI Japan 2023 as an event used to present technology and engage professional audiences.
- 2020Comforting the World with Heat
Japan
MHI Thermal Systems launched television advertisements for BEAVER residential air conditioners and commercial HVAC products, featuring actress Keiko Kitagawa. The campaign marked 50 years of the BEAVER brand and returned residential-air-conditioner advertising to television after a long gap.
Outcome. The campaign sought to improve domestic recognition and distinguish MHI air conditioners through comfort, connected control, and energy-efficiency claims.
- 2018PESO and digital content outreach
Japan and overseas markets
The communications organization used paid, earned, shared, and owned media concepts, content-led digital marketing, registration sites, and media-trend analysis to broaden customer touchpoints.
Outcome. The stated objective was to make communications more efficient and connect corporate marketing with product marketing and sales.
- 2016Move the world forward
Global
MHI introduced a group statement and tagline presenting the company as a technology partner addressing complex challenges across land, sea, air, and space. The initiative was accompanied by SPECTRA, an online media property intended to improve international awareness of the group.
Outcome. The campaign established a more unified international corporate narrative and linked MHI’s diverse businesses to infrastructure, technology, and sustainability.
- 2015Global communications strategy
Japan and international markets
MHI strengthened global corporate communications to explain its broad technology portfolio and improve engagement with customers, investors, employees, and media.
Outcome. The initiative developed into a more integrated communications and digital-marketing approach.
- Mission Net Zero
Global
MHI's net-zero communications and strategy frame the group's energy, infrastructure, hydrogen, ammonia, carbon-capture, and efficiency technologies as contributions to society-wide decarbonization.
Outcome. The initiative supports MHI’s repositioning as an energy-transition and infrastructure partner while the company continues to operate substantial conventional power businesses.
- Corporate advertising and MHI Report
Japan and international markets
MHI has used corporate advertising, integrated reports, corporate websites, promotional videos, calendars, events, and branded materials to communicate its identity and business portfolio.
Brand decisions
2025
Leadership transition to Eisaku ItoStrategyBackground
MHI’s officer materials record a planned transition from Seiji Izumisawa’s presidency to a technology-oriented internal successor.
Action taken
Eisaku Ito became president and CEO, while Seiji Izumisawa became chairman of the board.
Aftermath
The transition preserved internal continuity while placing a leader with technology, innovation, and marketing experience at the head of the group.
2024
Exit newspaper rotary printing-press productionStrategyBackground
Declining newspaper demand reduced the long-term market for rotary newspaper presses.
Action taken
MHI announced that it would cease production of newspaper rotary printing presses.
Aftermath
The decision marked a retreat from a legacy machinery line while the company continued to emphasize energy, defense, aerospace and infrastructure businesses.
2023
Acquire ConcentricM&ABackground
MHI sought to expand its smart-infrastructure portfolio and offer integrated power solutions to data centers, logistics facilities, utilities, and industrial sites.
Action taken
MHI agreed to purchase 100% of Concentric, LLC from OnPoint Group and completed the acquisition in October 2023.
Aftermath
Concentric became part of MHI Group, strengthening North American critical-power, motive-power, electrification, and lifecycle-service capabilities.
2021
Sell machine-tools business to NidecM&ABackground
MHI reviewed its portfolio and separated a non-core machinery activity.
Action taken
MHI sold MHI Machine Tool Co. to Nidec.
Aftermath
The sale narrowed MHI’s direct exposure to machine tools while Nidec expanded its industrial-equipment portfolio.
2020
Halt SpaceJet developmentOtherBackground
The regional-jet program experienced continuing delivery and certification delays, while the pandemic sharply reduced demand for new aircraft.
Action taken
MHI stopped development of the SpaceJet program.
Aftermath
MHI recorded a loss associated in part with the program and redirected attention toward other aerospace and aviation-support activities.
2020
Acquire Bombardier CRJ program activitiesM&ABackground
MHI pursued the CRJ program transaction while its own SpaceJet regional-aircraft program faced uncertainty. The deal excluded CRJ aircraft production, which remained with Bombardier during its wind-down.
Action taken
MHI acquired the CRJ program’s support, engineering, certification, intellectual-property, parts, and customer-service activities and organized them under MHI RJ Aviation Group.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded MHI’s regional-aircraft services and support platform without transferring CRJ production.
Purchase consideration. US$550 million (2020)
2020
Greater emphasis on cash flow and portfolio qualityStrategyBackground
MHI’s strategy materials and secondary analyses described a shift away from measuring performance primarily through accounting profit after periods of difficult earnings and capital-intensive projects.
Action taken
The group emphasized free cash flow, financial discipline, selective investment, business reform, and growth areas such as digitalization and decarbonization.
Aftermath
The approach was intended to strengthen resilience and improve the quality of long-term growth.
2019
Announce acquisition of Bombardier CRJ programM&ABackground
MHI sought aviation-program expertise, certification capability and customer-support infrastructure to strengthen its regional-aircraft activities.
Action taken
MHI announced an agreement to acquire Bombardier Aviation’s CRJ program, including support assets and type certificates.
Aftermath
The transaction closed in 2020 and the acquired business became MHI RJ Aviation Group.
2015
Strengthening of global corporate communicationsStrategyBackground
MHI’s broad B2B portfolio and international customer base created a need for more coordinated corporate and product communication.
Action taken
The company strengthened global communications and later added content marketing, digital distribution, media monitoring, and country-level analysis.
Aftermath
Communications became more closely connected with customer engagement, marketing, and sales support.
2014
Bid with Siemens for Alstom businessesStrategyBackground
MHI and Siemens sought to acquire parts of Alstom’s energy and transportation operations.
Action taken
The companies formed joint ventures and submitted a bid, but General Electric’s competing proposal ultimately prevailed.
Aftermath
MHI did not acquire the targeted Alstom businesses.
- General Electric — GE submitted the competing proposal that ultimately won the transaction.
Showing the 10 most recent.
Recent events
- 2025
MHI reports fiscal 2024 record order intake and revenue[11]
Other
MHI reported record fiscal-year order intake, revenue, net income, and free cash flow for the year ended March 31, 2025, supported particularly by gas-turbine combined-cycle and aerospace activity.
- 2025
Eisaku Ito became MHI president and CEO[13]
Leadership change
MHI’s officer information identifies Eisaku Ito as president and CEO, following his earlier work in technology, marketing, and innovation leadership.
- 2024
MHI to end newspaper rotary printing-press production[1]
Other
MHI announced that it would cease producing newspaper rotary printing presses because of declining demand.
- 2024
MHI promoted its energy, infrastructure, aerospace, defense, and space portfolio at industry events[14]
Campaign · Other
Company-related promotional materials referenced participation in events including WIND EXPO and the World Nuclear Exhibition, illustrating MHI’s use of trade events for international business development.
- 2024
Eisaku Ito appointed president and CEO[21]
Leadership change
MHI announced that CTO Eisaku Ito would become president and CEO on April 1, 2025, while Seiji Izumisawa would become chairman.
- 2024
MHI receives Japan DX Grand Prix recognition[22]
Campaign · Other
MHI’s SigmaSynX digital-transformation brand was highlighted in connection with the company’s first DX Grand Prix recognition.
- 2023
MHI completes acquisition of Concentric[8]
M&A
The acquisition of Concentric was completed, bringing the company into the MHI Group and supporting power solutions for data centers, logistics facilities, utilities, and industrial customers.
- 2023
MHI reports strong first-half fiscal 2023 performance[10]
Other
MHI reported substantial year-on-year growth in orders, revenue, and business profit for the six months ended September 30, 2023, with notable contributions from energy, logistics, and defense businesses.
- 2023
MHI ends Mitsubishi SpaceJet development[1]
Product generation · Other
MHI discontinued development of the Mitsubishi SpaceJet regional aircraft program after extended delays and commercial difficulties.
- 2021
MHI sells machine-tools business to Nidec[1]
M&A
MHI transferred MHI Machine Tool Co. to Nidec as part of portfolio rationalization.
Showing the 10 most recent.
Sources27 sources
- 1Mitsubishi Heavy Industriesen.wikipedia.org
- 2Mitsubishi Heavy Industries corporate websitemhi.com
- 3Mitsubishi Heavy Industries official company overviewmhi.com
- 4MHI Group history and profileengine-genset.mhi.com
- 5MHI launches group statement and taglinethehindubusinessline.com
- 6MHI Thermal Systems BEAVER advertising launchmhi.com
- 7MHI acquisition of Concentricmhi.com
- 8MHI completes Concentric acquisitionnasdaq.com
- 9MHI completes CRJ acquisitionflightglobal.com
- 10MHI fiscal 2023 first-half resultsmhi.com
- 11MHI fiscal 2024 resultsnasdaq.com
- 12MHI Corporate Profilemhi.com
- 13MHI Officersmhi.com
- 14MHI Corporate Advertising and Communications Servicesmhi.com
- 15MHI’s approach to proactive corporate communicationsadvertimes.com
- 16MHI management and marketing strategy analysisshopowner-support.net
- 17https://www.mhi.com/mhi.com
- 18Nuclear engineering consolidationja.wikipedia.org
- 19Mission Net Zeromhi.com
- 20Mitsubishi Heavy Industries bombingja.wikipedia.org
- 21Eisaku Ito appointed president and CEOjp.reuters.com
- 22MHI receives Japan DX Grand Prix recognitionmhi.com
- 23MHI supports Urawa Reds brand campaignmarketing.nikkei.com
- 24Inmarsat launches its first hybrid L- and Ka-band communications satelliteworldoil.com
- 25Japan successfully launches H3 rocket with Michibiki satellitenews.tuoitre.vn
- 26Mitsubishi acquires 100% of steel mill manufacturer Primetalswbjournal.com
- 27Space Clean-up Company Astroscale Signs Partnerships with MHI and Japanese Governmentsatellitetoday.com
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