From its Dusseldorf base, Japan Steel Works Europe serves two industrial markets. The company supplies resin-processing machinery for plastics and advanced materials, while its forged steel products support nuclear power and clad plates support oil and gas projects across Europe and beyond.
“By positioning machinery and steel products as the two pillars of JSW Europe’s operations, we are securing stable orders and sales in the European market,” Managing Director Takashi Furukawa said.
At the Extrusion Technical Center in Dusseldorf, customers test extrusion processes at pilot scale under realistic conditions before production. The facility supports compounding, chemical reactions, solvent removal and ATEX (explosive atmospheres) testing for plastics and other materials.
“Thanks to this capability, we can establish and optimize new and complex processes, evaluate product quality before scaling up to full production and reduce development risks,” Furukawa said.
“By positioning machinery and steel products as the two pillars of JSW Europe’s operations, we are securing stable orders and sales in the European market.”
Takashi Furukawa, Managing Director of Japan Steel Works Europe
The center works closely with Japan Steel Works’ extrusion center in Hiroshima. European requirements are identified in Dusseldorf, while specialists in Japan contribute engineering experience, testing facilities and manufacturing know-how. Projects draw on the location best suited to each challenge, giving customers faster, more precise support.
JSW Europe is seeing a recovery in steel-related orders as nuclear power demand strengthens and oil and gas activity remains robust. The rebound adds stability as resin-machinery sales expand through the technical center.
Japan Steel Works Europe will mark its 15th anniversary in 2027, while Japan Steel Works Ltd. turns 120. Furukawa returned to Dusseldorf in 2024 for a second posting, having served there from 2002 to 2009 and having spent five years in Singapore. Drawing on this experience, he said the company must preserve its technical edge and engage more proactively with European customers, particularly given the distance from Japan.
“I believe that effectively addressing both of these areas will pave the way for further growth,” he said.
