CHINA – Schmalz is now manufacturing both individual vacuum components and complete systems for automation and manual handling with vacuum at its new China headquarters in Taicang.

When it broke ground two years ago, the Glatten, Germany-based company set itself the goal of focusing not only on practical benefits but also on sustainability aspects.

At the beginning of 2020, J. Schmalz GmbH acquired an approximately 27,000-square-meter plot of land in West Dalian Road, Taicang City, about 50 kilometers northwest of central Shanghai. Today, an office building, a production building and a warehouse are located there. In addition, Schmalz maintains a sales headquarters in Shanghai and several field offices, including in Beijing and Shenzhen. At the new headquarters Schmalz (China) Co., Ltd. in Taicang, the focus is on the production of vacuum components and systems. The new location will not only significantly expand local value creation, but also provide the best possible service to customers from a wide range of industries. In the future, products developed specifically for the Chinese market will also be created – in line with the “local-for-local” principle.

The 4,000 square meter production hall has a photovoltaic system with a rated output of 280 kWp. Geothermal energy and two heat pumps help to regulate the temperature of the building, while frequency-controlled ventilation technology ensures the right amount of fresh air in the administration building. In addition, an energy management system and charging stations for electric vehicles are part of the site. However, Schmalz has not only thought about conserving resources, but also about the working atmosphere: height-adjustable desks at all workstations, touchscreens in meeting rooms and on the store floor are intended to increase productivity, while a leisure area and canteen are used to relax and recharge. The decision to establish the China headquarters in Taicang was an obvious one.

The city government makes it easier for innovative SMEs to settle locally – this already includes 350 German companies. The suitably qualified supplier network and proximity to Shanghai also speak in favor of the city in Jiangsu province.