Wittmann builds China

Automation and materials-handling expert Wittmann has begun work on building its new factory in China and is expecting a number of large robot-supply contracts in China for the automated moulding of automotive textile parts.

Company founder and instigator of the China deal, Dr Werner Wittmann says that 'considering the increasing importance of the Asian markets for Wittmann it is a strategic move for us to establish our production in China - the fastest growing market in this region. The rapidly growing car market in China requires also quality automation for the moulding shops. Our customers in China are international plastics moulders as well as major local suppliers.'
The new Wittmann facility is located in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province in the greater Shanghai area, close to important industrial areas such as Suzhou. Wittmann has a site of approximately. 28,000 m². The first phase of building will involve approx. 2000 m² construction and will begin forthwith. The new plant will produce a range of Wittmann's robots, dryers and mould temperature control units. The production of the first phase of robots - 300 linear robots per year - is expected to roll off the production lines come September 2004.

Wittmann is initially investing some three million US Dollars in the Chinese operation. Werner Wittmann says that 'by producing in China we will be able to further shorten the delivery time and respond to the market needs even better. Parallel to the development of the Chinese production we will further increase our service support in the Asian countries. Right now we are well established with our own subsidiaries in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and China. Expansions into other markets are under consideration.'

Wittmann UK managing director Barry Hill says that 'our China-based production will give price and supply security to all Wittmann customers wherever they are in the world. Like it or not, manufacturers of the future will have to rely on global brands and the strength of global sourcing and economies in order to survive. Wittmann's China plant will help fuel that strategy and success.'

Further details from Wittmann UK. Tel. 01933 275 777