Jost, Germany-based producer of fifth wheels, telescopic landing gear, kingpins and container locks, is trying to establish a stronger presence in Japan with the founding of its own distribution company in Yokohama.
Seeing an opportunity to establish a foothold in the Asian country, Jost unveiled its own distribution company, Jost Japan, on June 1. According to Jost, all future transactions involving its products and system components will complement the range available to Japanese customers.
Jost Japan will be headed by Markus Schaedlich, who steps into the role of Managing Director, while Yasuaki Mori will be Head of Distribution.
“With the increasing number of tractors in Japan, a growing commercial vehicle market overall and the trend for better quality, we see a great deal of potential here for our products,” said Schaedlich. “The new Jost Japan distribution company gives us more direct contact to Japanese customers. This allows us to better cater to specific demands here more quickly.”
Since 1989, Jost has been cooperating with local company Yokohama Sharyo Co. Ltd, providing all large manufacturers of trucks and trailers in Japan with fifth wheel couplings and telescopic landing gears.