Crittec Industries completed the installation of the bridge expansion joint "Hybrid Joint NCS-40," designed specifically for steel deck bridges, for a project commissioned by the Nagoya Expressway Public Corporation in November 2025. In urban expressways, steel deck bridges are often adopted due to their lightweight and slim design. Unlike typical bridges that have a thick concrete deck beneath the pavement, steel deck bridges feature steel directly under the pavement. However, these bridges experience significant expansion and contraction due to temperature changes and traffic, necessitating high followability and durability at the joint sections. The NCS-40 incorporates improvements over conventional products as a new technology. Firstly, the shape of the rubber component responsible for expansion and contraction has been modified from the traditional V-shape to a more accommodating M-shape. This enhancement increases followability against forces perpendicular to the bridge axis, reducing the risk of rubber cutting. Additionally, its high flexibility helps to suppress the reaction force transmitted to the fixed bolts. The method of bonding the rubber to the steel deck uses a mold for integrated molding, improving water-tightness and durability. This product has passed the fatigue loading test (durability of over 15 years) set by the Nagoya Expressway Public Corporation. Currently, each technology is in the process of being registered as "new technology" certified by the corporation.

Crittec Industries Co., Ltd. published a newspaper advertisement (black and white, full-page 15 columns) for the bridge expansion device "Hybrid Joint" in the February 26, 2026 issue of the Sankei Shimbun Tohoku 6 Prefectures edition. In Japan, the number of bridges over 50 years old is rapidly increasing, making the longevity of bridges a critical issue. The expansion devices, which are considered a cause of bridge damage, require high water-tightness and long-term durability. Our expansion device "Hybrid Joint" offers multiple types tailored to different bridge types and conditions. Among them, the "Hybrid Joint 3LII type" has demonstrated a durability of 100 years in fatigue loading tests conducted by a third-party organization. It has successfully passed 12 million cycles of repeated loading at a maximum load of 260 kN, confirming performance equivalent to a 100-year design service life for bridges. We have numerous delivery records in the six Tohoku prefectures and can accommodate a wide range of bridge types, including steel and PC bridges. The special website linked to the advertisement allows for the review of detailed materials and inquiries or requests for documents. Please make use of it for comparing and considering bridge renewal and repair plans. Crittec Industries will continue to contribute to the longevity of bridges nationwide, starting with the Tohoku region.

The "Hybrid Joint TCF Type" is a bridge expansion device designed for the Tohoku region that responds to "compacted snow," which occurs due to vehicle traffic after snowfall. It meets the 10kN snow load standard set by the Tohoku Regional Development Bureau. Additionally, it adopts a structure known as the "face plate type," which ensures that the water-stopping material does not become exposed on the surface, and it comes standard with "secondary water-stopping material." By employing a double structure, it reduces the risk of leakage and achieves higher water-stopping performance. Furthermore, to prevent snowplow blades from getting caught on the expansion device, it also comes standard with a "snow removal guide plate." This not only protects the product itself but also considers safety during snow removal operations.

Recently, an article about Crittec Industries' construction achievements was published in the January 1, 2026 issue of the Bridge News. The article highlights a case where, during the concentrated construction of the Meishin Expressway conducted in November 2025, a large finger joint was replaced with our "Hybrid Joint Type 3LII." The background for receiving this construction order was a similar replacement project carried out in 2024 within the jurisdiction of the Kyoto Expressway Office of NEXCO West Japan's Kansai Branch. This construction is noted as the first case in the Kansai Branch area where a large finger joint was replaced with a product joint, and the high evaluation of this achievement led to its adoption in the concentrated construction of the Meishin Expressway. Replacing large finger joints with product joints is a field with few precedents and high technical difficulty, leading many companies to hesitate in responding. In this context, our Hybrid Joint Type 3LII, which possesses reliable technical capabilities and construction achievements, was selected. For any inquiries regarding expansion devices, please consult Crittec Industries.

Happy New Year. We sincerely thank you for your exceptional kindness throughout the past year. With the support of many, Crittec Industries has faced each task sincerely as a manufacturer of expansion devices for bridges and has continued to move forward. 2026 is the Year of the Horse. Just as a horse gallops powerfully, we will build on the technology and experience we have cultivated so far to further improve quality and take on new challenges. With the responsibility of being a company that supports social infrastructure, we will strive to provide safer and more reliable products and services. We will not forget the support we received in 2025, and this year, all of our employees will continue to face challenges positively and sincerely. We kindly ask for your continued guidance and support this year as well.

Crittec Co., Ltd. issued a press release via PR TIMES on May 27, announcing that the durability of their bridge expansion device "Hybrid Joint 3LII" has been officially proven to be equivalent to 100 years by a third-party organization. This press release provides a compelling account of how the 3LII achieves "100-year durability," detailing its history and the passion invested in its development, presented in a fervent narrative style reminiscent of Project X by our company president. This product, which contributes to the realization of long-lasting infrastructure, is attracting significant attention. For more details, please see the news release. ▶PR TIMES "Achieve a Bridge That Lasts 100 Years" - Crittec Co., Ltd. [Hybrid Joint 3LII] Officially Proven 100-Year Durability https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000004.000159021.html

We are pleased to announce that Crittec Industries has received a contract as the main contractor from NEXCO Central Japan! [Project Name] Replacement of Expansion Devices in the Fuji Area of the Tomei Expressway and Others [Tomei] Numazu IC to Shimizu IC [New Tomei] Shin-Fuji IC to Shin-Shimizu IC We will be carrying out the replacement of hybrid joint CF type expansion devices according to NEXCO specifications in the above sections. Unlike our usual work as a first-tier subcontractor, as the main contractor, we will oversee the entire project. We will combine our expertise and prioritize safety to ensure the success of the project.

On Japan's largest BtoB database site "Ipros," we have gained attention for Crittec Industries' products and information, ranking in the TOP 100. ★ Road, Bridge, and Tunnel Material Ranking 3rd place: "Durable for 100 Years Expansion Joint 3LII" 69th place: "NEXCO Specification Expansion Joint" 69th place: "Low Height 75mm Expansion Joint" ★ Civil Engineering Material Ranking: 7th place ★ Product Ranking (out of 123,316 items): 73rd place ★ Company Ranking (out of 27,492 companies): 91st place The rankings are compiled weekly. This time, the ranking reflects the data from March 12 to March 18, measuring "how many times it was viewed." Since the release of the "Durable for 100 Years Expansion Joint 3LII," we have frequently ranked in the company rankings. With the upcoming personnel changes due to the fiscal year transition, there may be new individuals taking on responsibilities for bridges and expansion joints. Expansion joints can be unfamiliar and there may be many questions regarding these materials. For those individuals, we have also published a column with basic knowledge about expansion joints titled "Essential Knowledge on Expansion Joints." For anything related to expansion joints, please contact Crittec Industries. Feel free to reach out for inquiries or to request materials.

Crittec Industries has been certified as a "Health Management Excellent Corporation 2025 (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Division)." This marks the second consecutive year of certification following last year. The Health Management Excellent Corporation Certification System is a program that recognizes corporations that practice particularly excellent health management based on initiatives that address local health issues and the health promotion efforts promoted by the Japan Health Conference. We will continue to strive to create an environment where all employees can work healthily.

We are pleased to announce that our technical advisor, Yoshida, has received the "Infrastructure Maintenance Meister Award" at the "2024 Infrastructure Maintenance Awards" hosted by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers. This prestigious award is given to engineers who have made significant contributions to the development of the industry through outstanding achievements in the field of infrastructure maintenance over many years. The award ceremony was held on February 27, 2025, at the Japan Society of Civil Engineers auditorium in Tokyo, where the certificate was presented. Technical advisor Yoshida has demonstrated exceptional technical skills and extensive experience in national projects, such as the replacement of hanger ropes and the introduction of thin-layer pavement at the Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Expressway Authority, as well as vortex vibration countermeasures on the Tokyo Bay Aqualine. He has also contributed to overseas infrastructure maintenance, including technical guidance in Malaysia, thereby promoting international technical exchange. The knowledge and experience that Technical Advisor Yoshida has cultivated over the years have greatly contributed to the enhancement of our company's technical capabilities. He strongly believes that "long-term durability is essential for expansion joints, and the importance of maintenance, such as repairs and replacements, will continue to grow." Our company will also strive to contribute to society in line with the trends of this era.

The article "Proving 100 Years of Durability" was published in the March 1, 2025 issue of "Bridge Communication." *The full article is available in the related PDF document. Please download and read it. We encourage you to take a look!* <Excerpt from the article> Crittec Industries announced that its main product, the expansion joint "Hybrid Joint 3LII-500," has been proven to have a durability of 100 years through fatigue loading tests conducted by a third-party organization. The 3LII type meets NEXCO specifications. The load support plate and anchor plate are designed as a vertical integrated structure, providing high durability and preventing damage from metal fatigue. In October to November 2024, using a fatigue testing machine at the Construction Machinery Construction Association's Comprehensive Research Institute, a third-party organization, it cleared a maximum loading weight of 260 kN for 12 million cycles. This is based on the assumption that a 25-ton large vehicle ran over the 3LII-500 for 12 million times, equivalent to a 100-year durability. According to the "Road Bridge Design Guidelines," the standard design service life for bridges is 100 years. For newly constructed bridges, there is no need to replace the expansion joints for 100 years. The 3LII type is maintenance-free, eliminating the need for traffic restrictions for sound inspections, thereby reducing maintenance costs and improving safety.

The telescopic device manufacturer, Crittec Industries, has collaborated with Ohtaka Construction (headquartered in Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture, with President Sōji Ōhashi) to develop a "simulator for training snow removal operators utilizing virtual space," which was completed in December 2024. Ohtaka Construction has been promoting construction DX by recreating civil engineering sites in the metaverse. Given its headquarters in a heavy snowfall area, the company initiated the development of a simulator aimed at training snow removal operators and requested cooperation from Crittec Industries, with whom they had established a friendly relationship through social media. There were significant challenges in snow removal operations, as there was a risk of damage to the telescopic device from the snowplow's shovel or injury to operators due to sudden stops of the vehicle. Crittec Industries provided supervision to recreate the telescopic device in the metaverse and contributed to building a realistic VR environment by supplying images of the telescopic device equipped with snow removal guidance plates. A realistic VR environment was constructed, akin to actual bridges, replicating weather conditions, poor visibility, and road surface conditions. When the shovel collides with the telescopic device, the impact is transmitted, allowing users to experience a sense of realism and tension. In the future, Ohtaka Construction plans to introduce levers and pedals to the simulator by the end of 2025, developing a type that closely resembles the actual snow removal vehicle.

On February 28th at 21:30, our company president Wakabayashi will appear on Kawasaki FM's "Edako's Venture Roundtable"! As a professional in bridge expansion devices, he will discuss the technology and passion of Crittec Industries! - Broadcast date and time: February 28th (Friday) 21:30 to 22:00 - Broadcasting station: Kawasaki FM (79.1 MHz) We will have a roundtable discussion about the business challenges faced by presidents. Although we are a manufacturer of bridge expansion devices, our company handles research, design, manufacturing, sales, and construction all in one stop. We will talk about business secrets and points we are conscious of in self-branding. 【Note】Kawasaki FM cannot be listened to on radiko. It can be listened to via the smartphone app or the browser "ListenRadio." Unlike radiko, ListenRadio does not allow you to listen to past programs; it is only available for real-time broadcasts. App download ▶ https://listenradio.jp How to listen via browser ▶ Access https://listenradio.jp → Tap "National Radio Stations" → Select "Kawasaki FM" → The program will start at 21:30 on 2/28.

On January 31, 2025, our company was awarded by the Kansai Branch of West Nippon Expressway Company Limited for being an excellent safety business. This award was given in recognition of our safety measures during the replacement work of expansion joints on the Kyoto-Ji Bypass concentrated construction project. I believe this award reflects our high awareness of safety and the technical skills that enable us to achieve it. Encouraged by this recognition, we will continue to strive to be a company that prioritizes safety and contributes to the local community.

At Crittec Industries, we have developed a low-profile expansion device called the "TS type," with a product height of 75mm, and have begun manufacturing and sales. Given that our product delivery record started with highways, we believed that enhancing the durability of the product was a market need and have been advancing our development accordingly. While this is certainly not incorrect, it is undeniable that this led to somewhat over-specification in product development. For bridges that see a few light trucks passing daily, what is required is cost-effectiveness and compactness of the product rather than durability equivalent to that of highways. Particularly in older bridges, the thickness of the deck is thin, and existing products were too large to fit. Therefore, we have developed the compact TS type product. With a product height of 75mm, it often fits within the thickness of the pavement. In December 2024, we first installed the TS type at the Senami Bridge (Nishitama-gun, Tokyo). Due to the shallow notch depth, the installation was completed in a shorter time compared to conventional products. If you are looking for a low-profile product, please consider us!

The expansion device "Hybrid Joint Type 3LII" from Crittec Industrial has been proven to have a durability of 100 years! A fatigue loading test was conducted by a third-party organization. It successfully withstood repeated harsh loading, clearing the equivalent of 12 million cycles, which corresponds to 100 years. This aligns with the 100-year design supply period for bridges. Since there is no need to replace the expansion device for 100 years, it reduces lifecycle costs. Additionally, as it is a maintenance-free joint that eliminates the need for sound inspections associated with regulations, it also reduces maintenance costs. This is a revolution in expansion devices! The "Hybrid Joint Type 3LII," with its ultra-long-term durability of 100 years, is not a new product; it has already been widely adopted across national highways as a product that meets NEXCO specifications. We encourage you to adopt the "Hybrid Joint Type 3LII," which contributes to the longevity of bridges.

"Expansion Device Navi" is a comprehensive guide for those struggling with expansion devices for bridges. It is useful for both newcomers who are unsure about the types of expansion devices available and veterans seeking specialized knowledge, such as wanting to know the repair procedures or comparing multiple manufacturers. Have you ever experienced the following? - When considering based on the information gathered, you didn't know the selection process and it took too long. - When trying to compare expansion devices, there were too many manufacturers, and just researching became exhausting. - After estimating, you realized the site conditions were special, leading to changes in the construction method and unexpected design changes. "Expansion Device Navi" is a helpful site designed to resolve such issues and prevent potential problems in advance. Please make use of it. *Please check "Expansion Device Navi" through the links to the related information below.

Our company's hybrid joint CS type for bridge expansion devices has been newly adopted by the Metropolitan Expressway Company. As a result, the CS type will be the only approved product for steel deck slabs on the Metropolitan Expressway going forward. The CS type is an expansion device specifically designed for steel deck slabs and has a proven track record, particularly in the Kanto region. On the Metropolitan Expressway, we have primarily supplied the hybrid joint RS type, which is similar to our standard products, the NS to LL types. Until now, we have installed products on steel deck slabs after careful consideration each time, but we have now officially received certification as an approved product through water stop testing and FEM analysis. Since it can now be used on the heavily trafficked Metropolitan Expressway, we will promote it further for use on a wider variety of roads. If you have any projects involving steel deck slabs, please feel free to contact us.

We have decided to exhibit at the "Construction Technology Exhibition 2022 Kanto"! The Construction Technology Exhibition 2022 Kanto (C-Xross2022) will be held from November 16 to 17, 2022, at the Sunshine City Exhibition Hall. It will also be conducted online from November 16 to December 28. We plan to showcase a model of the "Hybrid Joint 3LII Type." Our booth number is D-53, located at the corner of the second-floor venue, near the exit. Since it will be a relatively small booth, don't miss it! (laughs) Many employees, mainly from the construction department, are expected to participate on the day, so we look forward to your questions and requests. If you're in the area, please stop by!

Our product, the hybrid joint 3LII-350 for bridge expansion devices, has passed the fatigue and waterproof tests specified by NEXCO. This product is classified as a "product joint" under NEXCO's classification, with an allowable expansion amount of 350mm and a maximum applicable gap amount of 730mm. Previously, the largest product joint available for use by NEXCO had an allowable expansion amount of 230mm and a maximum applicable gap amount of 415mm, so with this certification, our product is now the largest (according to our research).

We have revamped our comprehensive catalog, which has remained unchanged in design despite nearly ten years of product improvements! While the appearance hasn't changed much, the new catalog features many products and technologies that were not included in the previous version. We are mailing out the booklet, so please feel free to contact us.