New European structure builds on the expertise and capabilities of SHI businesses and supports closer cooperation across Europe
Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. is strengthening its organisation in Europe through a new regional ownership structure that builds on the capabilities, expertise and market positions of its established businesses.
From 4 November 2026, shares held by Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. (HQ, Tokyo, Japan) in eight principal European businesses transferred to Sumitomo Heavy Industries (Europe) B.V., the European headquarters company based in Amstelveen, the Netherlands. The change creates a clearer regional ownership structure for SHI and its businesses in Europe.
The eight principal businesses are Invertek Drives Ltd in the United Kingdom, Lafert S.p.A. in Italy, SHI Cryogenics of Europe GmbH in Germany, SHI Cryogenics of Europe Ltd in the United Kingdom, SHI Demag GmbH in Germany, Sumitomo SHI FW in Finland, Sumitomo Cyclo Germany GmbH in Germany and Sumitomo Material Solutions Europe SA SU in France.
Together with their wider subsidiaries and international operations, these businesses form an international organisation comprising up to 60 subsidiary companies worldwide, brought together within the new European ownership framework.
The new structure reflects the continued development of SHI in Europe and forms part of the Group's wider globalisation strategy. It provides a clearer framework for regional ownership and governance, while creating greater opportunities for businesses to connect expertise, share knowledge and work together across Europe.
Toshiro Watanabe, Representative Director, President and CEO of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., said: “Europe is an important region for the SHI Group, and this change is part of our wider globalisation strategy. By strengthening our regional framework in Europe, we aim to support closer cooperation among our businesses, build on the expertise and capabilities we have established across the region and enable the Group to operate more effectively across global markets.”
Building on established strengths
SHI's businesses in Europe have developed considerable expertise across specialist technologies, industrial markets and engineering disciplines. Each brings its own knowledge, capabilities and customer relationships, supported by the wider technologies and resources of the Sumitomo Heavy Industries Group.
The new structure is designed to build on these strengths.
Bringing the businesses within a common European ownership framework provides greater scope to connect expertise across the organisation, identify areas of common interest and make better use of knowledge and resources that already exist within SHI.
It also supports closer links between the European businesses and the wider SHI Group, helping knowledge and experience to be shared across markets and regions.
Shaun Dean, Executive Vice President, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. and Managing Director, Sumitomo Heavy Industries (Europe) B.V., said: “Sumitomo Heavy Industries has built a diverse presence in Europe through businesses with considerable expertise, established market positions and long-standing customer relationships.
“The new structure allows us to build on those strengths. We have knowledge and capability across our businesses that can create greater value when we connect it more effectively, while recognising the specialist expertise and market focus that have made those businesses successful.
“This is about looking at where we can work better together, whether through technology, people, digital capability, communications or other areas where sharing expertise can make a difference. It gives us a stronger platform from which to support our businesses and continue the development of SHI in Europe.”
Connecting capabilities across Europe
The development of SHI's European organisation creates opportunities for cooperation beyond individual products, technologies and markets.
Across the Group's European businesses, there is considerable knowledge and experience in areas including technology, digital transformation, human resources, communications, finance and procurement. The European structure provides an opportunity to connect these capabilities more effectively and develop common approaches where they can provide value.
This could include sharing technology and digital knowledge, strengthening collaboration between teams, supporting skills and development, sharing communications expertise and identifying areas where common resources or approaches can support individual businesses.
The approach is centred on making better use of the capabilities that already exist across the organisation and applying them where they can support the development of SHI businesses and their connections with the wider Group.
Mr Dean added: “Our businesses have built their positions through expertise, technology and a clear understanding of their markets. At a European level, we have an opportunity to connect more of that knowledge and make it easier for our businesses and people to learn from each other.
“There is considerable experience across SHI in Europe. Bringing people and capabilities closer together allows us to make better use of that experience and strengthen our connection with the wider SHI Group. Our approach starts with the strengths we already have and how we can build on them for the future.”
Sumitomo Heavy Industries (Europe) B.V. will provide the regional ownership framework for the businesses included within the new structure, while remaining part of the global Sumitomo Heavy Industries Group and reporting directly to Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. in Japan.
The new ownership structure took legal effect on 4 November 2026.