Special solutions for civil engineering - quiet and precise
Interview with Rolf Disselhoff, Senior Sales Manager of Seika Sangyo GmbH
In urban civil engineering, technical innovations are in demand that work both precisely and with low emissions. Seika Sangyo GmbH, based in Düsseldorf, meets these requirements as the European sales arm of an internationally active Japanese trading group. Rolf Disselhoff, Senior Sales Manager, explains in conversation how the highly specialized GIKEN pressing machine becomes a game changer, what role digitalization, sustainability and even space visions play - and why a close connection to the customer makes the crucial difference.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Disselhoff, how does Seika Sangyo GmbH position itself within the international corporate group, and what roles do you personally undertake?
Rolf Disselhoff: Seika Sangyo GmbH is the European distribution branch of the Japanese Seika Corporation, founded in 1947. Our location in Düsseldorf, established in 1974, evolved from a trading agency founded in 1954 and is strategically situated in a region with a strong Japanese corporate network. We function as a technical sales partner for Japanese manufacturers, thus bridging innovative technology and the European market. I am responsible for the construction industry sector and work from the Rhine-Main area – closely connected with the team in Düsseldorf.
Wirtschaftsforum: What is the international structure of the Seika Group, and what industry focuses do you manage?
Rolf Disselhoff: The Seika Group operates 137 sites worldwide with around 1,100 permanent employees and 350 freelance partners. In Europe, we cover four segments: energy, automation, mechanical engineering, and the construction industry. I am responsible for civil engineering – with the highly specialized, vibration-free pressing system from the GIKEN brand.
Wirtschaftsforum: What makes this GIKEN technology so special?
Rolf Disselhoff: The machine works completely vibration-free. Instead of driving piles, it hydraulically presses sheet piles in 800-mm steps – quietly, precisely, and environmentally friendly. It is ideally suited for sensitive areas such as city centers, railway lines, or dyke systems. With only 2 m working width, it was developed for tight construction sites in Tokyo – and is often the only viable solution here as well when conventional methods are not suitable.
Wirtschaftsforum: What does a typical deployment look like – and who are your clients?
Rolf Disselhoff: Most often, these are public tenders, such as in flood protection or infrastructure stabilization. When conventional methods are insufficient, GIKEN comes into play. We either rent out the machinery with a certified operator or sell it with comprehensive training. Usually, the machines are rented – given the investment costs in the seven-figure range. Our customers include construction companies, authorities, or operators like Deutsche Bahn. In 2024, the Seika-Gruppe generated a worldwide revenue of around 560 million EUR – a growing business to which our sector contributes significantly.
Wirtschaftsforum: How are you responding to the current situation in the construction sector?
Rolf Disselhoff: The industry is under pressure: rising costs, high interest rates, uncertain budgets. In civil engineering, many projects have been postponed – at the same time, there is a rising need for investment in infrastructure and climate adaptation. Our technology is in demand when traditional methods are too noisy, too imprecise, or unsuitable – and thus remains relevant even in tough times. Moreover, customers appreciate our technical consulting from the planning stage.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role do digitalization and AI play in your segment?
Rolf Disselhoff: Our machines are fully networked, capturing live data such as resistance, insertion depth, or timeline. This information can be documented and aids in project analysis, evidence collection, or future planning. At bauma, we controlled a GIKEN machine from Japan with a joystick from Munich – an impressive demonstration of the potential of digital remote control. Moving forward, AI-supported analyses and predictive maintenance will become even more prominent.
Wirtschaftsforum: How is the theme of sustainability integrated into your operations?
Rolf Disselhoff: Sustainability for us begins with low-emission and quiet technology – our machines meet high environmental standards and use biodegradable hydraulic oils. This is crucial when operating near bodies of water or in protected areas. Moreover, our technology enables night-time work in residential areas without noise complaints. We represent a forward-thinking construction philosophy that is focused not on repair, but on prevention – a principle that originates from Japan and is increasingly applied here as well.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are your long-term goals – and what personally drives you?
Rolf Disselhoff: Under the guiding principle of 'Vision 2030,' we aim to expand our market presence in Europe and develop new applications together with our Japanese partners. Customer feedback is directly incorporated into the further development of our machines. Our philosophy: not technology for technology's sake, but concrete solutions for real challenges. This also applies to our internal culture - characterized by personal responsibility, collegial cooperation, and close customer contact. Particularly exciting: Our technology is currently being tested for use in space missions by the Japanese space agency – a symbol of how far viable solutions can reach. What motivates me is exactly this connection: customer proximity, technical excellence, and a clear vision of the future.