22/04/2020
German quality. Made in China.
Schuler produces in Dalian for China and the world
Dalian in China. Here, on the coastal town of Liaoning province, Schuler operates a production facility that is one of the most modern of its kind in the People's Republic. The land of the middle has developed into the most important market in forming technology and the press specialist from Göppingen, Germany, has adapted to this and positioned itself accordingly strategically. Dalian at the heart of China's heavy machinery manufacturing industry with good logistical links to heavy-duty port is an essential part of Schuler's global manufacturing presence. The plant supports the Group's manufacturing capacity, shortens delivery times and accelerates the development of Schuler products on the Chinese market.
A rough sea wind moves over the factory grounds. The air is pure, the sky is clear. The metropolis of Shanghai, some 860 kilometers away, is not very reminiscent of this. Schuler has its headquarters in Shanghai and its production in Dalian. Oemer Akyazici commutes between locations. Today he is back in the province to exchange ideas with his staff about the current situation and the tasks ahead. Oemer Akyazici, whom everyone simply calls Mr. Aky, is CEO China. He is responsible for keeping the Schuler Group ship on track in the Far East. Schuler has more than 1,500 employees in China.
Largest press market in the world
Aky has been in China for more than fifteen years and has made a name for himself there. A few weeks ago, he was received the Chinese Government Friendship Award for his services by Premier Li Keqiang. Akyazici knows exactly what he is talking about when he talks about his adopted homeland. "China is the largest press market in the world and plays a crucial role in Schuler's global and local strategy. Our strong local presence gives us a deep insight into the needs of our Chinese customers."
In addition to presses, the Schuler Group's product portfolio also includes automation and software solutions, dies, process know-how and service for the entire metalworking industry. Schuler offers customized cutting-edge technology in all areas of forming: from the networked press to press shop planning. The Dalian production and service site is an essential part of the Schuler Group for the production of machinery for car manufacturers, their suppliers as well as for companies in the metal working industry and e-mobility.
"We have a particularly strong position in the high-performance segment that we want to expand. At the same time, we are expanding our existing portfolio in order to meet the requirements of the medium-range performance segment even better. This is where china has enormous growth potential, which we want to use with solutions for local needs," explains Aky. Schuler has recognized that development and production need to become more innovative, agile and customer-oriented in order to respond appropriately to the rapid changes in market conditions and the different requirements. In order to expand its market share in the mid-segment, the Group had to develop a local strategy that will be implemented in Dalian.
Global strategy implemented locally
Akyazici looks over the factory grounds from his second office in Dalian. Here, too, the work piles up on his desk. The program includes a meeting with Gursel Goren, Head of Production China. Goren directs the fortunes of the work and knows about the local developments. 230 employees work on site, the site covers approximately 18,400 m2 of space for the three factory halls and around 1,800 m2 of office space.
As part of the global Schuler production system, the Dalian plant produces machines in accordance with the Group standard, guarantees on-time delivery and ensures that Schuler meets the requirements of the Chinese market and thus remains competitive. "Price and technology are important factors for many car manufacturers today. We take this into account by following our customers into their international markets. That's why we're in Dalian. Here we use local procurement and optimize cooperation with local suppliers. They are constantly developing with our German-Chinese quality team," explains Goren. Thanks to localization, Schuler can reduce costs for its customers and shorten the start times for projects. The standardization of assembly plays an important role here.
Knowledge transfer program for quality assurance
In Dalian, Schuler produces advanced high-speed presses. These include the Smartline for the manufacture of electric motor components and a new hydraulic fineblanking press. In order to produce these machines according to German standards and in German quality, Schuler has set up an extensive knowledge transfer program. Goren can rely on the expertise of Zhao Xinmin, who, as head of quality assurance, closely monitors the quality processes.
"Quality is Schuler's top priority," says Zhao. "That is why we promote the active and continuous transfer of knowledge between German and Chinese experts. We continuously organize employee training to build a growing pool of know-how. The Schuler China Engineering team is responsible for research and development for new local products and solutions as well as engineering support for all other customer orders in China. We can say that Schuler China has become the mother house for many machines. We are very proud of that." With the plant in Dalian, Schuler is able to guarantee the functionality and performance of the systems according to German standards on site. In addition to the ISO 9001 certification, a systematic, rigorous and effective quality management system has been implemented here.
German quality. Produced in China
"We strictly follow Schuler's standards and strive for zero-error tolerance. We are part of Schuler's global quality organization with access to an enormous pool of knowledge," adds Zhao. When it comes to quality and market needs, he receives support from his colleague Li Zuopeng, who, as Head of Engineering China, has his ear with customers and knows exactly what they need. To meet the needs and requirements of existing or new markets in China, he is keeping an eye on accelerating the pace of product development and implementing innovations with successful transfers. The focus is on the careful development of products, services and solutions for the medium-price-performance segment.
"Innovation is in Schuler's DNA, and quality is Schuler's most important competitive advantage," says Li Zuopeng confidently. "With state-of-the-art technology, know-how and efficient management, we believe that Schuler-Quality Made in Dalian meets the standards of Schuler Germany and exceeds the expectations of customers in China." Li's Chinese engineering team is responsible for research and development for new products as well as engineering support for all customer orders in China.
As a technical contact in the organization of Schuler China, the engineering team is responsible for all related technical matters with the support of the German headquarters. The team is an essential part of localization and plays a significant role in all relevant activities such as procurement, service, quality control or assembly. An important task is also the further development of the product portfolio, adapted to the different customer segments in the Chinese market.
China is the future
There is no doubt that the Chinese economy will continue to grow at a high level in the long term. The market for metal forming will continue to gain in importance. Schuler is prepared for this and sees himself well positioned with his China strategy and the plant in Dalian. "Schuler Dalian will continue to play the key role as Schuler China's production center, and we will continue to focus on the expanding market," says Akyazici. "This means that we will locate more technology and know-how to meet the needs of our customers in different product areas." In this respect, he will continue to commute regularly between Shanghai and Dalian in the coming years to accompany the desired development in China.
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