Meiken Kogyo's 'Sugi CLT' Gains Global Attention: CLT Born in Europe, Refined in Japan, Debuts at North American Exhibitions

Sugi CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) manufactured by Meiken Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Maniwa, Okayama) has been adopted for the modular building product 'CLT CELL UNIT' (developed by Gate Inc., Fukuoka). The product received high praise at demonstrations and trade shows in the North American market held between February and April 2026.

CLT is gaining global attention as a new structural material to replace concrete and steel. It features high strength, dimensional stability, and excellent precision through factory processing. Its compatibility with modular construction makes it ideal for ADUs (accessory dwelling units), modular homes, trailer houses, accommodation facilities, and commercial buildings.

At the 2026 International Builders’ Show in February and the 2026 International Mass Timber Conference in March-April, Meiken Kogyo's Sugi CLT impressed attendees with its construction efficiency and quality. In a local demonstration assisted by Mitsui Home America (MHA), two workers completed the assembly in approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. The 'cho-ari' (butterfly dovetail) joinery, a traditional Japanese technique that requires no metal hardware, was also highly regarded.

While the use of Sugi as a structural material is rare in North America, it attracted significant interest as a new architectural option due to its beauty and functional quality. Meiken Kogyo is not just a building material manufacturer but acts as a coordinator working with designers and builders to realize wooden construction projects.