European focus for Sumitomo pavers

Japanese paver manufacturer Sumitmo is targeting the European roadbuilding sector with its J-Paver range. The company says its patented infinitely variable screed design was unique in the market.

Vice-president for international sales, Ichiro Shimada said, "We are a latecomer to the European market, but in Japan we have about a 70% market share. For the last three years we have been starting to get into overseas market. If our product is accepted in Europe, we think it will be accepted everywhere."

According to chief staff manager for international sales, Fumio Goto, the company ash sold 17 pavers to date in Europe. These have been its J-Paver 2360 model, which offers a paving width of 2.3 m to 6 m, without the need for bolt-on extensions.

According to Sumitomo, its patented screed design is unique in being able to cover such a wide range of paving widths, without the need for bolt-on extensions. The screed offers an infinitely variable with throughout its range.

"so far our product has been well-received in Europe, "said Mr Shimada. "We are focussing on core customers," he added.

The pavers are distributed throughout Europe by Yuasa trading, and according to Mr Shimada, there are dealers in place in France, Italy, Poland and Switzerland. He said the company was targeting key customers and is offering demonstrations of their machines. "our brand is not very well-known in Europe, so this is the best approach," he said.

Mr Shimada said that in the future, the company wanted to sell its 9 m class pavers in Europe.