The Japanese group is targeting Europe for its 350 and 450-tonne electric drive MEII series

The Japanese group is targeting Europe for its 350 and 450-tonne electric drive MEII series

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will start a campaign in April to introduce all-electric injection moulding machines in the European market. The Japanese company told PRW.com the sales drive will initially focus on its 350 and 450-tonne electric drive MEII series. A 450-tonne MEII machine will be on display at K2004 in Dьsseldorf in October.

MHI sales manager Koichi Saji told PRW.com: “We are targeting the packaging and automotive markets, mainly in Germany, France, Italy and the UK. We have many automotive customers in Japan – they are satisfied [with the MEII machines]. If they make the same products in Europe, they will definitely need our machines.”

Mitsui Machine Tool Europe, which is headquartered in Neuss, Germany, will be the sole distributor for MHI’s medium clamping force MEII electric machines. Mitsui also distributes five to 300-tonne Fanuc Roboshot machines in Europe; the M 350 and 450-tonne machines will complement the Fanuc range.

Saji said another reason it was launching the MEII machines was because Fanuc has been increasing its European business in smaller machines every year. Currently, only 4% of its machine sales are in Europe.