Based in Osaka, West Nippon Expressway Co. launched its North American operations in 2011 believing it possessed the technology and valuable expertise in operating and maintaining roads and highways across the United States.
NEXCO-West USA President and CEO Masato Matsumoto, a certified professional engineer, points out that, like Japan, the Northeastern states have high-density population centers and experience cold climate. During winter, it is common practice to de-ice roads and bridges using salt, which damages concrete bridges and leads to more maintenance work.
“The U.S. has the longest highways and most extensive interstate networks in the world, some of them built before World War II. Those structures are aging and need a detailed inspection and assessment to strategically allocate the limited funds for repair and rehabilitation. We have been providing our innovative technologies that make America’s bridge and roadway inspection program more efficient and scientific,” Matsumoto explained.
For NEXCO-West, the benefits of its business go both ways.
“We work as a bridge between Japan and the U.S. Exchanging technologies and innovations will greatly benefit both our countries. We are trying to bring new Japanese technology into the American market, while also introducing innovative American products to our Japanese highway systems,” Matsumoto said.
