The second phase of the TÜV Rheinland Yangtze River Delta (YRD) Operation Hub was inaugurated on Aug 1 in Taicang, a county-level city in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province, marking the official commencement of the whole TÜV Rheinland YRD Operation Hub.

The operation hub will collaborate with its counterpart in Shanghai to enhance the convenience and efficiency of testing services, thereby supporting regional industrial upgrading and promoting the development of new quality productive forces.

The project represents the largest investment by TÜV Rheinland, a Germany-based global testing and certification service provider, since its entry into China in the 1980s.

With a total area of 40,000 square meters, the comprehensive testing service center caters to a diverse range of products, from PV modules and auto parts to textiles, baby products, chemicals, furniture, household appliances, and power tools.

Representatives pose for a picture at the opening ceremony of the second phase of the TÜV Rheinland Yangtze River Delta Operation Hub in Taicang, Jiangsu province, on Aug 1. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wang Xiangyuan, Party secretary of Taicang, emphasized the significance of the productive service industry in industrial upgrading, as well as its role in deepening Taicang's cooperation with Germany. The TÜV Rheinland YRD Operation Hub exemplifies high-end service collaboration among local German companies.

Since the first German company was introduced in Taicang in 1993, the city has become home to over 530 German enterprises, earning it the title of the "hometown of German companies".

Philipp Kortüm, CFO of TÜV Rheinland Group, said that the operation hub will meet the growing demand for testing services, particularly in production technologies such as photovoltaics, electric vehicles and consumer electronics.

"Over the past 30 years, we have provided product testing services to more than 300,000 local businesses, facilitating their exports to over 150 countries and regions. We are committed to helping businesses' products and services enter the global market," he said.

Looking ahead, TÜV Rheinland will continue to invest in key areas, including AI, new energy vehicles, carbon and sustainability. This will empower companies in their technological innovation and support China's ongoing efforts towards greater openness and collaboration.