Siemens' Division Hopes To Triple Production, Double R&D

July 6, 2006

Setting an ambitious goal of tripling manufacturing production capability and doubling its research and development power within the next three years, Siemens announced the Phase III expansion of its Siemens Numerical Control Ltd., Nanjing. According to a July 7 company statement more than 328 million RMB will be invested in the expansion of the facility from 8,200 square meters to 21,000 square meters.

"Siemens Automation and Drives Group (A&D) in China is a market leader in automation systems, motion controls and large drives, and our operation is highly localized," said Mr. Peter Herweck, executive vice president of Siemens Ltd., China. "About one-third of our sales in China are generated from products manufactured here, and we have a clear strategy to increase this proportion. This applies not only to manufacturing, but to R&D as well."

SNC is a joint venture set up in 1996 between Siemens A&D Group and China Oriental Numerical Control Co, a subsidiary of China North Industries Group Corp. Located in Jiangning Economic and Technological Development Zone in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province, SNC develops and produces numerical control systems and products for factory automation serving both China and the world markets. Siemens has set up 7 regional offices and 19 operating companies in Jiangsu.

The phase III expansion will build up the number of R&D engineers from the current 65 to 120 within three years. Training and technology transfer are also key objectives of this expansion.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies.She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.