CHANGZHOU, China—Austrian rubber molding machine maker Maplan inaugurated its first overseas plant in China on Sept. 22, according to the company's press release. The new plant is operated by an independent subsidiary Maplan (Changzhou) Rubber Machinery.
Located in the Wujin National Hi-Tech Industrial Zone in Changzhou, Jiangsu province within the Greater Shanghai area, the new plant had over $2 million investment and produces up to 200 machines a year for the Asian market.
"Quality alone is not enough. Companies producing for the Asian market in Europe face a constant competitive disadvantage in terms of speed and service," Maplan CEO Wolfgang Meyer said in a statement. "This is why we are now producing right inside China for the Asian market. There is high degree of consumer interest and the first orders for 2018 have already been placed."
The assembly of two main machine types, vertical machines of 250 tons and up to 400 tons, started in the summer, and 50 percent of all machine parts used for production come from the Greater Shanghai area. The first five overseas-made Maplan machines were presented at the ceremony.
This will further help build relationship with Chinese clients that have affiliates in Europe, where Maplan is also able to provide local after sales services, the press release added.
The plant's annual production value is expected to reach €6.5 million within three years of operation, according to a local government website. Maplan is bullish on the region's automotive industry to drive the company's growth.