Trelleborg continues its long-term strategy to invest in markets with favorable growth potential. Today, Trelleborg Automotive will inaugurate its new R&D center in Shanghai. As previously communicated, the new center offers state-of-the-art technology relating primarily to noise and vibration-damping brake solutions for passenger vehicles.
“It is with high confidence in the future that we inaugurate the new R&D center today. The automotive industry is expanding in China and consequently, it is important for Trelleborg to be present where our customers are,” says Jim Law, Business Area President for Trelleborg Automotive. “Each car model requires a specific solution and the R&D center enables us to offer customized testing options and consultation for our customers in China.”
At the inauguration, participants will in addition to the management of the centre, include a number of local Chinese customers, Peter Nilsson, President and CEO of Trelleborg and Wang Beijun, President of Xinzhuang Industral Park.
“Here, there are more opportunities for our innovative braking shims and there is a strong demand for local support in research and development,” says Jim Law. “The new R&D center has high-tech equipment that facilitates controlled testing of brake and engine noise. For example, simulation of brake noise can be conducted here under various driving conditions and at temperatures varying from -30° to +45°C. The R&D center also has a laser scanner that facilitates measuring of vibration levels for various engine components.”
Trelleborg in China. China is one of Trelleborg Group’s most important individual geographic markets. Trelleborg currently has six wholly owned production plants in China: two in the Shanghai area, two in the Wuxiom area, one in Qingdau and one in Xingtai. The facilities manufacture innovative and reliable products that seal, damp and protect in demanding industrial environments: fender systems for quays, printing blankets for the graphic industry, molding products for various industrial segments, antivibration components for the automotive industry, sealing products, as well as specialty tires, primarily agricultural. In addition, there are three development units, as well as several markets offices to efficiently cultivate the local markets. The total number of employees within the Trelleborg Group in China is slightly more than 1,700. During 2010, Trelleborg’s net sales in China amounted to nearly SEK 1 billion.
CONTACTS
Media
Karin Larsson,
Vice President Media Relations
+46 (0)410 67094
+46 (0)733 747015
karin.larsson@trelleborg.com
Investors/analysts
Conny Torstensson
Vice President IR
+46 (0)410 67070
+46 (0)734 087070
conny.torstensson@trelleborg.com
ABOUT TRELLEBORG
Trelleborg is a global industrial group whose leading positions are based on advanced polymer technology and in-depth applications know-how. Trelleborg develops high-performance solutions that seal, damp and protect in demanding industrial environments. The Trelleborg Group had annual sales during 2010 of approximately SEK 27 billion, with about 20,000 employees in 40 countries. The Group comprises four business areas: Trelleborg Engineered Systems, Trelleborg Automotive, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and Trelleborg Wheel Systems. The Trelleborg share has been listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange since 1964 and is listed on the OMX Nordic List, Large Cap. www.trelleborg.com
