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Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation recently announced that it will expand its vehicle operations in China by investing in a new engine valve production facility in Jining City, Shandong Province.
"The further expansion of Eaton"s production capability is another positive step forward in meeting our significant growth goals in the region," said Frank Wang, general manager -- China for Eaton"s Vehicle Group. "We work closely with both domestic and global automotive manufacturers to develop technology-based solutions for their needs in the fast-growing Chinese market, and we"re excited about the growth possibilities this new facility provides."
Joseph Palchak, president of Eaton"s Vehicle Group, said, "The investment in the new facility in Jining represents Eaton"s long-standing commitment to produce products for the region within the region. As China"s automotive market expands, we will continue to work with our local partners to provide leading technologies for our Chinese customers."
China became the world"s top auto maker and market in 2009. China"s sales for the year hit 13.6 million units while production reached 13.8 million units, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
Eaton will start construction of the 10,000-square meter facility in July 2010. The new facility will assemble engine valves and valve actuation components for automotive customers in the Chinese market.
Eaton currently manufactures automotive components in its facility in Shanghai -- Shanghai Eaton Engine Components Company, Ltd. (SEECO) -- for Shanghai Volkswagen, Shanghai General Motors, FAW-Volkswagen, Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi, Guangzhou Dongfeng Honda, Changan Suzuki, Changan Ford and Jiangling Motors.
The new Jining plant will be located in the same campus of Eaton Hydraulics System (Jining) Co., Ltd., which produces steering pumps, hydraulic motors and filtration components. It is Eaton"s largest manufacturing base for hydraulics products in Asia Pacific.
"With continued investment in Jining, we are expanding our Industrial sector operations to now include hydraulics, filtration, and vehicle components. The expanded manufacturing capability in China will give Eaton significant momentum in this key growth market," Frank Wang said.
Eaton began operations in China in 1993 through the manufacturing facility in Jining. Its business has grown significantly in the region through acquisitions, joint ventures and wholly-owned subsidiaries over the past two decades. Today, Eaton in China has 27 operations with nearly 10,000 employees.
Eaton is the world"s leading engine valve manufacturer. Its worldwide engine valve and valve actuation facilities serve more than 140 automotive and heavy duty engine manufacturers globally.
Eaton"s Vehicle Group is a global technology leader in truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety with products ranging from engine valves to hybrid drive systems. The group serves Automotive and Truck businesses with $2.7 billion sales in 2009, and is organized by global regions.
Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2009 sales of $11.9 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries.