Perkins to Build Engines in China

Enlarge Image Concept drawing of Perkins' new manufacturing facility in China.

November 7, 2007 • Perkins Engines reports that it plans to build a new manufacturing facility in China to produce small- to medium-size diesel engines for OEMs in China and the Asia Pacific region.

The plant will be operated by the Perkins Shibaura joint venture. Elco Power Systems in Hong Kong, Lei Shin Hong in Shanghai, and Westrac in Beijing have been appointed as distributors for the region.

 

According to President Hans Haefeli, the company's manufacturing facility in Wuxi will initially produce the Perkins 400 Series, which includes three- and four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, naturally aspirated and turbo-charged indirect-injection engines.

 

Phase one of production will be the compact 400 Series engine, which is expected to start rolling off the production line in September 2008. Later phases will focus on the production of medium size diesel engines, such as Perkins' 1100 Series. When the manufacturing facilities in Wuxi are fully operational, they will have to capacity to build more than 100,000 engines per year.

 

“The building of this plant demonstrates our commitment to China and the continued success of Perkins' small and medium engine business,” Haefeli said. “Our ambition is to be the natural choice for Chinese equipment manufacturers. We will also continue to supply our current global customers who wish to grow their business from a Chinese manufacturing base.”

 

Speaking at Bices, Michael Wright, managing director of Perkins Shibaura Engines Limited, said: “We are extremely pleased to be bringing our business to China and look forward to working with our customers and continuing the successful growth of the 400 Series business. The 400 Series facility will be a world-class manufacturing operation.”