Japan’s forestry industry is on the rise 01.11.2021 Customer stories, News Cargotec Japan partnered with Alucar over 10 years ago. Japanese customers appreciate Alucar’s products’ lighter weight and design. Yokohama-based Cargotec Japan is responsible for importing, selling, and marketing Hiab and Kalmar products in Japan. They sell Hiab’s truck-mounted hydraulic equipment and Kalmar’s terminal equipment. Cargotec Japan also resells all types of Alucar bunks and solutions. Titan Fastlock stakes are very usual in Japan, and the company was the first to introduce Eagle bunks to the Japanese market. They sell Alucar’s parts accompanied with their own product, LOGLIFT. The forestry industry is one of the most historic and major industries in Japan, and the timber transportation business has grown with it. “We have two types of customers. A customer is usually either involved with forestry business or solely with timber transportation,” explains Kazuo Matsui, sales department manager, sales development. Long-lasting cooperation with Alucar Matsui says that Japanese customers appreciate European design concepts, like Alucar’s products and LOGLIFT cranes. “Many customers in Japan are also interested in sliding crane consoles for full trailers,” he adds. Cargotec Japan’s cooperation with Alucar started over 10 years ago. Due to the different advantages of Alucar’s products, Cargotec Japan chose Alucar as their partner for timber transportation equipment. “Alucar’s products have a cool design, and they are lighter in weight compared to the original Japanese product design, which involves flat steel bodies and steel stakes. Lighter weight helps maximizing the payload. Alucar’s products also add extra value to Cargotec Japan’s LOGLIFT cranes, and we have a strong market share in Japan,” says Toshiya Suzuki, vice president of load handling business in Japan. Cargotec Japan’s own customers have given positive feedback about Alucar’s products. Suzuki also adds that the products are well-distinguished in the market. “Our customers have praised the reliability of Alucar’s products and the ease of installation. In addition, there is not a similar supplier in Japan, especially for aluminum parts. Alucar has a big reputation here,” says Ryuta Subu from forestry division’s sales and marketing. Japan’s forestry industry and timber transportation have developed a lot In the past, the timber transportation business lacked efficiency and the risk of accidents was high. However, this changed when timber handling cranes came to the market. “After the launch of timber handling cranes, the business has developed a lot. Productivity has improved and the accident risk has lowered significantly,” Matsui tells. Matsui estimates that Japan’s forestry industry business will be gaining even more momentum during the next 5–10 years. In the past, the business has been affected by its inability to compete with imported wood products, but now that the government is supporting the industry, its productivity and profitability have been growing.
