When Sunward Intelligent Equipment Co. Ltd. entered the Canadian market in 2021, it wasn’t simply expanding its geographic footprint, it was also laying the groundwork for a deeper connection with North America’s heavy construction industry.
Founded in Changsha, China, and internationally recognized for its drilling and foundation equipment, Sunward has grown into a diversified machinery manufacturer serving more than 100 countries. From compact excavators to large piling rigs, its portfolio spans the full spectrum of construction needs.
“Our company began with foundation equipment products and, over the years, has expanded to include all other product families. Today Sunward enjoys a global reputation for innovative engineering, reliable products and competitive pricing,” said Angelo Gardini, the company’s general manager of the business unit foundation equipment for Europe and the Americas.
That global reach now includes a dedicated Canadian subsidiary headquartered in Calgary, Alta., which houses its offices, warehouse and service centre. The facility anchors a national network of regional partners designed to ensure that Canadian contractors receive fast, localized support.
“The decision to establish a base in Canada was driven by the conviction that the substantial local market demand could be covered effectively by Sunward’s product offering. Canada’s robust construction, mining and infrastructure sectors create strong demand for reliable, innovative machinery, and to gain market access, a physical presence is needed,” said Gardini.
Sunward Canada manages sales, service, parts distribution and dealer development, ensuring that customers across time zones can rely on responsive after-sales assistance. By establishing a Canadian presence focused on these areas, the company can elevate contractor efficiency and help ensure that projects remain on schedule.
Two regional corporate partnerships reinforce this model: one partner in Ontario covers Eastern Canada while another in Alberta supports Western Canada. This hybrid structure, combining a corporate hub with regional service partners, has proven essential for maintaining uptime on demanding jobsites. “Having our own direct presence and local partners clearly makes it easier to access the local industrial network,” he said. “It also increases trust in our brand from potential clients.”
In the deep foundation and piling sector, Sunward’s most relevant products are its SWDM Pro-Series piling rigs, which have torque capacities of 45 to 415 kilonewton metres and operating weights of 16 to 135 tons. “These machines cover a major part of project needs,” Gardini said. “They feature both technologies … large-diameter bored piles and … for continuous-flight-auger piles. Our product range is similar to the main competitors’, but offers higher reliability, lower maintenance cost, reduced fuel consumption and an incredible value-for-money ratio.”
Sunward machines are designed to operate efficiently in Canada’s diverse conditions, such as extremely cold weather and challenging soil types. All models may have adapted features like improved insulation and winter-pack, flexible hydraulic systems and enhanced torque capabilities, allowing them to function optimally in harsh environments and at remote locations. This adaptability is important for deep foundation contractors working in isolated regions where downtime is costly and logistics are complex.
Sunward’s commitment to functional simplicity also sets it apart in a market often dominated by complexity. “Our motto, ‘Best Value for Money,’ is not just a motto, it’s the base for [making] our products,” Gardini said. “All Sunward foundation equipment is made for the toughest weather and ground conditions, using high-quality components from primary industry brands and deeply tested before shipping.”
A streamlined mechanical design means easier maintenance and reduced training requirements, which are critical advantages for contractors seeking reliability and quick field service. This approach makes it easier for dealers to provide service at the same level as Sunward’s own field experts. The company is continuing to expand its partnership network to provide better coverage across all Canadian provinces. Each regional partner receives direct training from Sunward Canada’s technical team to ensure consistent standards for assembly, commissioning and warranty repair.
Although Sunward sources components from established global suppliers, its Canadian subsidiary maintains a localized supply chain to handle time-sensitive needs. Sunward operates through a centralized spare parts department in China that fulfils the Canadian subsidiary’s stock on a regular basis. Sunward Canada has also structured a local supply chain to address occasional or specific needs. This dual approach has shielded the company from recent supply chain issues.
Sunward’s innovation pipeline focuses on mechanical, hydraulic and digital improvements that enhance both performance and environmental responsibility. “Sunward is committed to introducing product innovations that enhance efficiency and sustainability,” Gardini said. “The company is actively pursuing developments in fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and a green line-up of piling rigs has already been launched offering full-electric, hybrid and extended-range models.”
That environmental focus earned Sunward international recognition. Sunward won the “Excellent Practice Case of Enterprise Internationalization ESG” award at the recent Exchange Activities of Excellent ESG Practices of Internationalization of Enterprises at the Osaka World Expo in Japan.
Sunward’s rigs are already proving themselves in Canada’s demanding foundation projects. “Our first piling rig in Canada is presently working in northern Saskatchewan and performing flawlessly,” he said. “The SWDM160S was first used to hold and set H-piles in 30-inch pre-drilled holes 20 metres deep. On the same site, it then drilled 28-inch piles 18 metres deep before setting the rebar cage.”
The contractor completed 500 piles on schedule, purchasing the rig outright after only two of the three months under rent-purchase option. “We were very satisfied because the first customer’s feedback confirmed our value proposition in terms of easy to use, easy to maintain and effective investment,” Gardini said.
Sunward’s strategic roadmap for the next five years centres on growth, localization and innovation. Gardini says the company has ambitious plans for Canada, including launching new products tailored to Canadian needs, expanding service initiatives and forming new partnerships within the foundation sector. The company also intends to expand its Calgary operation and continue developing its business unit dedicated to foundation equipment.
“During 2026, we will launch our Stage V engine, new cranes lineup and additional pile driver models,” Gardini said. “We will also start promoting in North America our well-known drilling tools product line.”
Although Sunward’s manufacturing base remains in China, its Canadian operations integrate closely with local suppliers, logistics partners and field-service technicians, linking the company to the broader “Made in/Supported in Canada” ecosystem. By maintaining domestic inventory and service capabilities, the company ensures its rigs are supported in Canada, even if they’re not built here. This combination of global manufacturing scale and local responsiveness mirrors trends across Canada’s heavy equipment sector, where international original equipment manufacturers collaborate with Canadian dealers to sustain projects from coast to coast.
Sunward’s next major milestone will be CONEXPO 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev., where Gardini and his North American team will showcase its latest rigs. “I will be delighted to meet all of you, and together with our local team, we will be able to support any of your foundation and piling projects across Canada,” he said.