A Photographic History of DaifukuWebb’s Joining of the Daifuku Group: The Catalyst for Daifuku’s Entry into the Airport Systems Business

In 2007, Jervis B. Webb Company (hereafter referred to as “Webb,” currently Daifuku Airport America Corporation)—a pioneer in the material handling systems industry—became part of the Daifuku Group.

Webb was founded in 1919 in Detroit, Michigan, USA, and later developed a rivetless chain conveyor for the automotive industry, which was adopted by major car manufacturers such as Ford Motor. Over time, Webb expanded its product lineup to include airport baggage handling systems and automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), establishing a track record across a wide range of industries.

In 1957, Daifuku and Webb entered a technical partnership focused on chain conveyor systems. The technology developed under this partnership was a major contributor to Daifuku installing Japan’s first integrated passenger car production line. The longstanding complementary relationship and mutual understanding between the corporate cultures of Daifuku and Webb that resulted from this technical partnership culminated in Webb joining the Daifuku Group in 2007.

This acquisition also marked Daifuku’s entry into the airport systems business. Daifuku remains dedicated to expanding this business through Webb and other Group companies in Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

With a projected increase in the number of travelers across the globe, the Daifuku Group is committed to helping establish smart airports by providing cutting-edge systems and solutions in baggage handling and digital technologies. With our solutions, we aim to increase comfort and convenience for airport users and reduce the workload of airport staff.