A changing economy
As far as the experts are concerned, the question is not if China
will become the world’s biggest economy, but when. The
country currently occupies second place in the global rankings
behind the USA, and is ahead of Japan, Germany, France and
the UK. In the early stages of economic growth, China was little
more than a low-wage country for manufacturers from the
West. However, the growing prosperity of its main population
centres has seen the country blossom into an attractive
market. The international automotive industry today sells more
cars in China than in any other country in the world. This points
to a transformation in China’s economic structures, which accor-
ding to international business leaders will involve significant
change. The country is evolving from a low-cost producer and
formidable copyist into a high-tech nation that is driving
technological development. According to figures released by
the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, production
in the high-tech industries reached record levels in 2011. The
gross production value of around 60,000 high-tech firms
amounted to around 1.6 billion US dollars.
A few more questions
trends in automation:
What does the future hold for the
manufacturing industry in China?
JJ Chen:
China already has the biggest domestic market,
the highest manufacturing industrial output and the
biggest automotive market, and is thus also set to be-
come the biggest market for automation technology in
the coming years. The manufacturing industry in China
is gradually adopting international quality standards.
Factories are moving away from manual labour in favour
of automated manufacturing processes. At the same
time, energy efficiency, environmental protection and
industrial safety are becoming increasingly important.
trends in automation:
How important is customer prox-
imity in the Chinese market?
JJ Chen:
Very important. Customers in China expect top
quality “Made by Festo”, with guaranteed delivery within
one day at prices that are competitive in the local market,
just like in Europe. Even more important is having engi-
neers who speak the local language so that the specific
needs of individual customers are understood. This is why
Festo is able to offer customers solutions that are tailored
to their requirements.
JJ Chen,
General Manager Festo Greater China
Festo currently employs around 1,800 people
in the areas of production and logistics and in
42
sales and service centres throughout China.
2.2012
trends in automation
Synergies
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