ThyssenKrupp System Engineering, an international system partner for all key elements of the car body and powertrain process chains in the automotive industry, is opening a new plant in Chuansha, southeastern Shanghai today. Previously the company was located in the city’s Pudong District, but the expansion of its business in China necessitated the move. In addition to body-in-white technology, the Chuansha site will also produce assembly and test systems for Chinese-based OEMs. Key accounts include Shanghai Volkswagen, FAW Volkswagen, Qoros and CAF. Just a few days ago Great Wall Motors, China’s leading manufacturer of SUVs and pickups, placed a contract with ThyssenKrupp System Engineering to build a complete assembly and test line for a new vehicle generation.

Jens Michael Wegmann, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of the Industrial Solutions business area of ThyssenKrupp: “This investment in the future is a central component of our global growth strategy and an important step towards expanding our presence in China. The new site allows us to extend our local product portfolio in China and further strengthen our relationships with customers based in the country. Going forward we will be collaborating more strongly with Chinese suppliers.”

Bernd Becker, CEO of ThyssenKrupp System Engineering, adds: “Our new plant in Chuansha has a 12,000 m² production area and 6,000 m² of office space. The new site combines our production operations and organizational functions under one roof. It will allow more efficient project management and enhance employee and customer satisfaction.”

ThyssenKrupp System Engineering has operated a plant in Shanghai since 2006. The then ThyssenKrupp Car Body Technologies (Shanghai) started out in Pudong District with just five employees, but this has since grown to around 250. There are plans to expand the workforce further as part of the company’s growth strategy.