Georg Fischer accelerates its expansion in China
Fri, 20 August 2010
Georg Fischer is further strengthening its market position in China: The Corporate Group GF Piping Systems is bringing its tenth production plant in China on stream. Using state-of-theart production technology, the new plant will manufacture complete plastic piping systems for a wide variety of applications, including plumbing and heating. Tailor-made Swiss quality and local training for customers ensure a unique offering for the Chinese market. The new production site will be officially inaugurated today in the presence of the President of the Swiss Confederation, Doris Leuthard.
"The inauguration of our tenth plant for GF Piping Systems in China underscores our determination to continue growing in this country. We are pleased to be taking this important step today in the presence of Switzerland's President Doris Leuthard," said Martin Huber, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Georg Fischer, at the inauguration ceremony attended by some 200 key customers along with high-ranking leaders from the world of politics and business.
No time was lost after the decision to expand was taken. The new plant was erected in a record 14 months on a 20,000 sq. metre site. The two-storey building has a usable space of 16,669 sq. metres for production, warehousing, offices and the integrated training facilities. The plant is initially equipped with two 50-metre long production lines on which 20,000 kilometres of piping can be manufactured every year in a high-speed extrusion process. In extrusion, the plastic is melted and then pressed evenly through a nozzle into the desired profile. Following the initial phase, additional extrusion lines will be brought on stream in the coming year. Once expansion has been completed, the planned production capacity is 80,000 kilometres of piping per annum. The new plant will also manufacture fittings and valves. Further expansion is possible, if desired. CEO Yves Serra emphasizes: “This new investment underscores the long term commitment of Georg Fischer towards China and is certainly in line with our strategy to further develop our sales in growth markets.”
