SHANGHAI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton today announced that it will double the manufacturing capacity at its Jining, China facility to meet growing customer demand in the region for its valve and valvetrain products and technologies.
Located within the Eaton Campus in the Jining Shandong Province, the expansion project began this year and be operational in March 2014. The facility assembles valve and value actuation systems and devices for passenger cars, light and commercial vehicles and medium- and heavy-duty trucks, for customers throughout the region.
“This expansion of Eaton’s production capability is another positive step forward to meet our growth goals in the region,” said Erbing Shang, general manager – China, Eaton’s Vehicle Group. "We work closely with domestic and global vehicle manufacturers to develop technology solutions for the Chinese market, and we are excited about the growth possibilities this new facility provides.”
China is the world's largest vehicle market and sales in China -- including passenger and commercial vehicles -- rose 4.3 percent to 19.3 million units last year, according to the China Association of Auto Manufacturers. The organization forecasts a 7 percent rise in China vehicle sales for this year as the economy strengthens.
"Our investment in the expansion of the Jining facility further represents Eaton's long-standing commitment to produce products for the region, within the region,” said Ken Davis, president – Eaton’s Vehicle Group. “By having a strong regional presence, our Vehicle Group is in position to provide leading technologies for our customers as this market grows in the future."
In addition to its expansion of the Jining facility, Eaton’s Vehicle Group is undertaking joint technology programs with leading local universities in China – Shanghai Jiao Tong University and South China University of Technology. Since 2008, Eaton’s Vehicle Group has worked in collaboration with these academic institutions on engineering and innovation projects to solve technical problems and help develop local engineering talent.
Eaton’s Vehicle Group has steadily expanded its footprint in China since 1998 when it opened its first manufacturing facility in Shanghai. Today, Eaton’s Vehicle Group operates four manufacturing facilities, an engineering lab and an R&D center throughout the country to serve local and global customers.
Eaton began operations in China in 1993 at its manufacturing facility in Jining, and has grown its presence in the region through acquisitions, joint ventures and wholly-owned subsidiaries over the past two decades. Today, Eaton China operates 28 manufacturing facilities and five R&D centers.
Eaton is a diversified power management company providing energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power. A global technology leader, Eaton acquired Cooper Industries plc in November 2012. The 2012 revenue of the combined companies was $21.8 billion on a pro forma basis. Eaton has approximately 103,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.
