Hirschmann Automation & Control founds joint venture in China

• Effort with Ningbo Zettler Electronics in Yuyao, China, to focus on large-volume production of connectors.

NECKARTENZLINGEN, Germany, Sept. 4, 2006 -- The Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH, Neckartenzlingen, and the Ningbo Zettler Electronics Co., Ltd., Yuyao, China, have founded a joint venture. The joint venture company which has its headquarters in Yuyao to the south of Shanghai and carries the name Ningbo Hirschmann Electronics Co. Ltd. will produce Hirschmann standard versions of different connector series in large quantities. Customized versions and special versions will still be manufactured at the Hirschmann sites in Bekescsaba, Hungary or Neckartenzlingen.

In view of increasing globalization and growing pressure of competition the Yuyao site will play an important role in further strengthening Hirschmann's position on the connector market. Reinhard Sitzmann, Chairman of Hirschmann Automation and Control comments. "Our customers benefit from the relatively low costs for wages, tools and materials as much as we do. China as a production location is not a new adventure for us because we have been running a joint venture with the country's largest crane manufacturer for the last 12 years."

The joint venture company in Yuyao has a production area of 400 m² and presently employs 20 people. By the middle of next year the number of employees should have risen to 150 and the production area have been extended to 1,600 m2. In addition, Hirschmann will be reinforcing the sales of connectors in the Far East by intensifying the cooperation with local partners and a greater market presence by setting up and expanding sales teams in China, Singapore and Japan.

Part of the Hirschmann Group, Hirschmann Automation & Control GmbH (www.hirschmann.com) has U.S. operations based in Chambersburg, PA. For more information, see: www.hirschmann-usa.com

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Also see: "Hirschmann holds ribbon cutting ceremony"

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