HARMAN’s presence in the People’s Republic of China got a significant boost recently with inauguration of a new greenfield facility in the northern city of Dandong. The new site is a key element of the company’s latest $100 million investment program in China, to bolster its manufacturing and research capabilities with which to serve new domestic and export customers.
A delegation of HARMAN executives led by China Country Manager David Jin (left) hosted customer representatives as well as local, state and regional government officials for a ribbon cutting and inaugural plant tour on November 11, 2011. HARMAN will use the facility as a research and manufacturing hub in the development of electronic components and audio systems for the world’s leading automakers and professional audio customers.
Two manufacturing facilities will be housed within the 460,000 sq. ft. (42,000 sq. m.) facility, which was built specifically to meet HARMAN’s global quality standards. The automotive factory at Dandong will produce advanced audio components and systems to meet the increasing demand from not only western and Asian automakers but Chinese automakers as well. In the past year, HARMAN has announced new contracts for audio and infotainments systems from Chinese automakers including BYD, Changan Motors, Geely Motors, and Dongfeng Passenger Vehicle.
The second operation in Dandong will house manufacturing for audio electronics and loudspeakers sold under a range of HARMAN’s premium brands in the Professional and Consumer sectors.
China’s rapid economic growth is driving investments in infrastructure, and HARMAN is playing a key role in servicing the growing requirement for world-class audio solutions. the company provides professional audio systems for such venues as airports and rail stations, hotels, cinemas, entertainment and sporting complexes, performing arts centers, and other upcoming megaprojects.
“We have been operating in China for more than 20 years and the opening our new facility in Dandong is another example of our long-term commitment to serve both local and global customers in China,” said Dinesh C. Paliwal, the Company’s Chairman, President and CEO.
Dandong is the fourth Chinese city to house a HARMAN facility, as the company also operates manufacturing and R&D operations in Shanghai, Suzhou and Shenzhen, and currently employs more than 1,200 people in China. The company’s expanded investment plan follows its successful participation as a supplier and sponsor in such projects as the Beijing Olympics, Shanghai World Expo, China National Day Celebration and a platinum sponsorship of the 2011 Miss Universe China Pageant. China’s legendary musician Professor Liu Huan serves as an ambassador for the company’s JBL and Harman Kardon brands.