SPAIN/CHINA
Girbau and Chinese company Shenguang signed an agreement on 16 May in Shanghai establishing a joint venture between the two laundry machinery manufacturing companies. The operation is in line with Girbau’s strategic plan 2020, and the company’s intention to increase the share in the Chinese market.
Girbau will control the new company resulting from the joint venture, and plans to inaugurate a 15,000 sq. metre production centre devoted to the manufacture of laundry equipment.
The plant will initially continue with the production of the Chinese partner’s current models, but the plan is to invest in the R&D needed for the gradual development of a new, competitive and high quality product range geared especially to the Chinese market.
“The initial goal is to grow vigorously in the Chinese market,” said Girbau’s CEO, Mercè Girbau during the signing ceremony. “It was clear to us that we needed a partner in the country if we wanted to make a strong entry into this huge Asian market. Once we attain a good market share in China, we do not discount the possibility of marketing the product manufactured in Shanghai in other emerging markets.”
“With Shenguang, we have found a good manufacturing centre, a good sales network and a powerful distribution network. We will provide the technology, the culture of quality and improved efficiency in the processes and they will provide their extensive knowledge and an introduction to the central laundry markets in China and infrastructure. It’s a win-win situation”.
With the operation, the 150 Shenguang workers will be added to the Girbau team, which will now be close to 1,000 people worldwide.
The Shenguang production centre will be added to the three production centres that Girbau has in Vic in Spain and one in France, with over 57,000 sq. metres devoted to manufacturing.
