Chinese production off to a good start

The grand opening of Elematic's production facilities in China.

Despite its short existence, Elematic’s production in China has come a long way. In April, the new precast technology production facility in Changzhou, Jiangsu, China, was officially inaugurated.

A joint venture between Elematic Oyj and the Chinese construction equipment firm Teeyer was officially signed in the autumn of 2022. Shortly after, the production of precast equipment began in a brand-new factory on the Chinese east coast.

Challenging beginning

The beginning was challenging, to say the least: Business life in China slowed down under the country’s strict Covid restrictions. Chinese precasters have, however, warmly welcomed Elematic in the market, says Seppo Kauppinen, general manager of the joint venture.

“We are now in the ramp-up period, but we have already had several deliveries.”

Elematic professionals in Elematic's Chinese facilities.

Full steam ahead

The Chinese factory also produces Elematic equipment for export. So far, products from the facilities in Changzhou have been shipped to locations around the world, from the Czech Republic to the Philippines and Mauritius.

All in all, the first half year with production in China has gone surprisingly well, Kauppinen deems. He is certain that, despite the current low market demand, the fresh Elematic China Team of about 50 people has what it takes to successfully steer the joint venture in a positive direction – full steam ahead.

Festive factory opening

April 13th marked the official opening of the factory in Jiangsu. Around 20 VIP guests attended the opening, among them the Consul General of Finland in Shanghai Anu Vuori-Kiikeri, Elematic CEO Mats Jungar, Elematic’s joint-venture partners from Teeyer, and other important Chinese precast industry players and customers.

Wang Huajiong, general manager of China’s renowned precast concrete manufacturer Shanghai Citi-Raise Group was also present. He was impressed with the elaborate 4×4-meter miniature model of their factory that was unveiled at the event.

“The spirit was high, and we got a lot of positive feedback from the guests,” says General Manager of the joint venture Seppo Kauppinen.