Several employees work at ZF's production base in Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, Jiangsu province. [Photo/zjgonline.com.cn]
German auto parts maker ZF Group recently signed an agreement with the Zhangjiagang Economic and Technological Development Zone in Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province, to construct a $100-million chassis spare parts and systems factory.
ZF is planning to purchase land and start construction in October. The 3.87-hectare factory is expected to become operational at the beginning of 2024.
ZF's $400-million production base in Zhangjiagang, which covers 330 mu (22 hectares), has been expanding since 2014. The group has launched four projects in the city to manufacture active and passive safety systems, electric power steering systems, brake control systems, and chassis components and systems.
Due to the importance of the production base, ZF's board of directors has named Zhangjiagang its lighthouse factory and aims to turn the production base into a leading company in terms of automated production and intelligent manufacturing.
Renee Wang, president of ZF China and senior vice-president of ZF operations for the Asia-Pacific region, said the conducive business environment, complete industry chain, and rich human resources are the main reasons why ZF has located its factories and constantly increased investments in the Zhangjiagang Economic and Technological Development Zone.
The local government's professionalism and effective services have also impressed the group, added Wang.
During the local COVID-19 outbreak, the bureau of business attraction from the development zone formed a team to facilitate the negotiation and administrative approval of the ZF project, ensured the normal transportation of goods, and helped with closed-loop management.