Plastics specialist Röchling has begun production in its new plant in Kunshan/China. The site in the Kunshan Industrial Park was ceremonially opened today in the presence of government representatives, customers, and representatives of the Röchling Group."China is a significant market for Röchling and remains a focus of our investment," said Georg Duffner, President of the Röchling Group.
Röchling Automotive Kunshan, until now based seven kilometers away in Suzhou, acquired a 30,000 m² site in the Kunshan Industrial Park last year. Construction of a new production facility, including a logistics and administration area, began in November 2012. Construction and the subsequent relocation of the plant from nearby Suzhou went smoothly. "We are delighted to be able to begin with production in the new plant as planned," said Gerhard Neidinger, Board Member at Röchling Automotive, at the opening ceremony. Neidinger thanked engineering firm DBS in Suzhou as well as other companies involved in the construction, the majority of which were local firms, for their speedy and professional work. The total investment amounted to around 10 million euro.
Until this point, Röchling Automotive had rented production facilities in neighboring Suzhou. "Our newly opened plant is in keeping with our high production standards, and additionally opens up possibilities for us to expand in the future," commented Neidinger. The constructed area currently amounts to 20,000 m².
Röchling Automotive increased the number of employees in Suzhou from 300 to 355 last year, and the number is set to increase further to around 370 employees this year.
In addition, trainee positions will be created at the Kunshan site in accordance with German standards. "We are very happy about the new training standards, which we have been able to implement for the very first time in China, and which mean that we can sustainably secure a skilled workforce for our company," stated Neidinger. The Kushan Industrial Park had been able to offer Röchling Automotive an attractive site, had provided for the site's development, and had managed the key requirements for the establishment of the company in Kunshan. "We, too, very much welcome the decision of Röchling to relocate to the Kunshan site," said Mr Huang from the Kunshan Industrial Park.
Aside from Shanghai Volkswagen, the Kushan plant's customers also include FAW VW, Ford, General Motors, Daimler, FIAT, IVECO, Guangzhou Automobile, SAIC, Mazda Japan, Dongfeng, Audi Germany, Continental, BOSCH, Brose, Valeo Japan, as well as other OEMs.
The plant produces parts for Air Flow management, acoustics, and thermal management, such as intake manifolds, air-ducts with air-vent control, grille shutters and cylinder head covers, 3D charge-air tubes, ABS pistons, door carries, expansion tanks and air-filter housing.
Röchling Automotive has also upgraded its machinery. Investments include injection-moulding machines with a clamp force of between 600 and 1,600 tons, and a 3D blow moulder. A further three injection moulding machines are due to be put into operation by the end of this year.
