NORMA Group has put a fifth plant into operation in China, which is strategically positioned near Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) and other OEMs of electric vehicles. At the new plant, NORMA manufactures and assembles thermal management systems for battery-electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid cars (PHEV).
Currently the plant is serving customer orders for fluid transport systems that have already been booked. Series production for other regional customers are being prepared. The new facilities on the premises of the Datang Auto Technology Park has a total space of 2,500m2 and an initial annual production volume of around two million parts. In further expansion stages NORMA Group plans to increase the capacity to five million parts. Around 65 employees currently work at the Guangzhou plant; the number is expected to rise to over 100 by the end of the year.
“China is the largest manufacturer of new-energy vehicles in the world. More than one third of all battery-electric and hybrid vehicles come from Chinese production sites, either by national OEMs or by joint ventures,” points out Dr Michael Schneider, CEO at NORMA Group. “With the new plant in Guangzhou, we are further expanding our market position through a targeted investment according to our localisation strategy. By offering our products and services where the demand is, we can provide efficient logistics, improved shipment costs and engineering services close to the customer.”
During the opening of the new site, China Country Leader Michael Eisner, who is responsible for NORMA Group’s business activities in China, said: “We already see and expect further increase in demand for advanced joining technology for electric vehicles. With our significantly expanded production capacities in China, we are well positioned to serve Chinese customers as they continue to drive the technological transformation of the transport sector.”
The site is a branch of NORMA Group’s plant in Qingdao in eastern China (Shandong province), which has been in operation since 2008 and currently running at full capacity. NORMA Group operates five plants in China, two for metal joining solutions such as clamps, and clips, and three plants for plastic solutions such as quick connectors, tubes and complete fluid systems.
In 2021 NORMA Group generated €173 million in sales in the Asia-Pacific region, which amounts to 16% of Group turnover. The Chinese automotive market is a strategic market for NORMA Group in the region, together with the market for water managements products in India, Malaysia and Australia, the automotive market in India, as well as the market for industry applications in various countries.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
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