Portland mower maker taking a swing at garnering golf course in Asia

Golfing is hugely popular in South Korea, and the Maine Office of Tourism has taken note. But one Portland executive on the trade mission, Nick Nikazmerad, said the sport’s popularity has created a strong market for his HoverMowers and Eastman Commercial lawn mowers. Nikazmerad’s business, Eastman Industries, manufactures the mowers in its 40,000-square-foot facility and sells them to golf courses in 30 countries.

He joined the trade mission to find Asian distributors for his mowers. Five distributors eagerly awaited him in South Korea, and he’ll meet with a few in Japan today and Friday.

“It’s great for me because there are over 250 golf courses in South Korea and 20 to 30 under construction,” Nikazmerad said.

South Koreans are willing to pay whatever it takes to get their golfing fix, it seems. The initial membership fee at one local private course costs 1.6 billion won, or about $1.6 million, Nikazmerad said.