Japanese engines

This month, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries  (MHI) plans to launch a range of V-type diesel engines in its SR series, with power outputs in the 1,250-2,000 kW range.

The European product launch follows on the heels of an agreement the company reached last month with Wärtsilä France, in which MHI Equipment Alsace (MEA), a local producer of medium- and large-scale industrial engines established by MHI in December 2004, acquired most of Wärtsilä France's existing production facilities.

At the plant, MEA will undertake machining of con-rods, cylinder heads and crankcases, as well as assembly and on-site testing of engines. Other parts for the engines will come from Japan.

The completed engines will then be sold exclusively to MHI Equipment Europe for the European market.

MHI opted to produce the engines in France because production of medium and large-size engines at its domestic Sagamihara plant (Kanagawa) is nearing full capacity due to the booming Chinese market and recovery in the North American market.