ContiTech Opens State-of-the-Art Plant in China

Main Navigation

Advertisement
Social Connect
Resources
Our Brand Family
Counterman - Babcox Media
Counterman has been serving auto parts jobbers, retailers and distributors since 1983.
News

ContiTech Opens State-of-the-Art Plant in China

Germany-based ContiTech AG inaugurated its recently completed, state-of-the-art development, production, sales and administrative facility in Changshu, China. The site is about 100 kilometers northwest of Shanghai.

Counterman Staff
By Counterman Staff
Published:

Changshu, China — March 10 — Germany-based ContiTech AG inaugurated its recently completed, state-of-the-art development, production, sales and administrative facility in Changshu, China. The site is about 100 kilometers northwest of Shanghai.

Related Articles

Wang Xiang, Party Secretary of Changshu CPC Committee, and Heinz-Gerhard Wente, CEO of ContiTech AG, officiated at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The plant opening marks a key milestone for the future of the company in China. In his welcoming remarks, Wente highlighted the importance of the location for customers in China and for ContiTech itself, one of the world’s leading specialists for rubber and plastics technology: “Changshu is the new productive heart for our customers in China. We are creating here a forward-looking strategic center for our long-term operations in Asia. Our roots may be in Germany, but we have long since made ourselves at home here as well and see a key portion of our future viability in China.”

Initially, three business units — Air Spring Systems (air suspension systems), Fluid Technology (hoses and hose line systems) and Vibration Control (including acoustic insulation) — are commencing operations here. An almost €40 million investment, the facility will produce mainly for the Chinese and other Asian markets. A further phase of expansion and erection, including a rubber compounding center for the location, are slated for the future.

Long-term and successful engagement for and in China
ContiTech has been active in China for 30 years. With components and systems – such as hose lines, vibration components, air springs, soft trim, conveyor belts, drive belts and coated fabrics – produced within the country at currently nine modern production plants, ContiTech very successfully services the needs of the automotive industry, machine and plant engineering and construction, mining, the printing industry and rail transportation.

The company has 1,200 employees in China. In the face of a severe global economic crisis, ContiTech was able to up sales in China 34 percent in fiscal 2009. The long-range target is to more than double current sales volume in China by 2014, boosting it from €133 million at present to approximately €300 million.

Unique advantages for Chinese industry

China is viewed as one of ContiTech’s key markets in the coming decades. “The country’s need for technological innovations and advanced developments matches up perfectly with our more than 130 years of mature production and development know-how. We offer high-tech products made of rubber and plastic that provide our Chinese industrial partners immense effectiveness in developing solutions in the areas of mobility, energy production and efficiency, and environmental protection,” said Wente, underscoring the advantages for Chinese industry.

High-tech jobs with career opportunities

In China ContiTech combines its forward-looking engineering prowess with the expertise, experiences and qualifications of its Chinese executives and skilled employees. The company makes a point of filling key positions with qualified Chinese applicants. The rubber specialist offers its employees future-proof, high-tech-oriented professional fields, with a chance to learn from one of the major technology leaders and to pursue international careers.

You May Also Like

Auto Industry

Customer Service: How It’s Done

Customer service should be your number one priority, and it all starts with the greeting.

Eric Garbe
By Eric Garbe
Eric Garbe is a graduate of Columbus State Community College with a degree in Automotive Maintenance Technology. He has extensive independent and dealership field experience as a technician and shop owner and is an ASE Certified Master Technician and former Adjunct Automotive Professor. He has been professionally writing automotive technical articles and documents for many years and in his free time enjoys restoring old cars and creating custom interiors and upholstery.
Published:

This is always an important topic to discuss, because I consider excellent customer service one of the most important tools you can have to earn trust, respect and repeat business from the customers that come through your door. Whether that customer is do-it-yourselfer from across town or the professional repair shop across the street, your business depends on a solid relationship.It’s a subject that I am passionate about, and it’s one that many people are losing touch with. Whether you are communicating to someone in person, on the phone or using some type of social media, good customer service and bad can both exist. You can’t afford the latter, so this is the first in a series of topics which can and should be shared from the front of the shop to the back. No matter which role you hold, you represent the shop and yourself. Customer service should be your number one priority.First on the list is the greeting. From the second a customer walks in the door, they need to know you appreciate them coming in and how important they are to your business. First impressions are everything and here’s the correct way to do it each and every time: look them directly in the eye, smile and say hello!Of course, you can say “Good morning” or “Welcome to Joe’s Autocare,” but it should be a formal greeting and the most important thing is that you have smiled, looked them in the eye and recognized that they have walked through the door.You should always retain a formal greeting until you are on a first-name basis with a customer. Only once you have established that level of relationship is it OK to use the less formal greeting of “Hi,” followed by the person’s name.This greeting does more than just indicate respect and appreciation for someone walking through the door. Most likely there are customers both new and old who are in earshot of your conversation. For newer customers, this continues to build rapport and reinforce their positive view of your shop; they see that you demonstrate respect and treat everyone in the same manner. For repeat customers, even ones that have been coming for years, the greeting is important because the way you treat them is the reason they continue to come.And when a long-time customer comes in and you greet them with “Hi [First Name],” this indicates your appreciation for them and that you’re glad to see them as a person, more than just a customer. New customers that witness this will see that your repeat customers are comfortable enough to be on a first-name basis, another indication of the trust they have in you.

Read Full Article

More News Posts
MEMA Launches At-Home REPAIR Campaign

The next step in the campaign to get the REPAIR Act passed is to get aftermarket suppliers involved.

By Emma Henderson
Shaw Assumes Leadership of MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers

Collin Shaw succeeds Julie Fream who served 10 years in the position.

By Emma Henderson
AACF Launches 65th Anniversary Fundraising Initiative

The campaign aims to raise $65,000 through 1,000 donations of $65 each.

By Counterman Staff
Schaeffler Publishes 2023 Sustainability Report 

Schaeffler was awarded an “A” score in the climate change category for 2023 by the global non-profit environmental organization CDP for corporate transparency and performance.

By Emma Henderson
Schaeffler Sustainability Report

Other Posts

Introducing ‘Sustainability by Schaeffler’ on Counterman.com

In the weeks and months ahead, stay tuned for more sustainability content from Schaeffler and Counterman.

By Josh Cable
Schaeffler Sustainability
Jacki Lutz Named Content Director at Auto Care Association

Lutz will be tasked with leading a cross-functional and multimedia content strategy, development and execution across all platforms.

By Josh Cable
Jacki Lutz Auto Care
Auto Care Association Certified as a Great Place to Work

“This prestigious award is a testament to the association’s commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and dynamic work environment for its employees,” Auto Care said.

By Josh Cable
HD Repair Shops Report Increases in Counter Sales, Labor Rates

The data comes from a Fullbay report published in partnership with ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council.

By Josh Cable
Heavy Duty Repair