Trelleborg inaugurates Chinese automotive R&D centre

In addition to producing agricultural tyres in China, Swedish manufacturer Trelleborg is engaged in a number of automotive and other sectors. The company counts China as one of its most important individual geographic markets, with net sales there amounting to nearly SEK 1 billion (£97 million) in 2010. Trelleborg operates six wholly-owned production plants in China; the company has now expanded its presence there through the opening of a research and development centre in Shanghai that specialises in offering state-of-the-art technology primarily for noise and vibration-damping brake solutions for passenger vehicles.

At an inauguration ceremony attended by Trelleborg president and CEO Peter Nilsson, along with centre management and local customers, Trelleborg Automotive business area president Jim law stated “it is with high confidence in the future that we inaugurate the new R&D centre today,” said Jim Law, business area president for Trelleborg Automotive on June 21. “The automotive industry is expanding in China and consequently, it is important for Trelleborg to be present where our customers are. Each car model requires a specific solution and the R&D centre enables us to offer customised testing options and consultation for our customers in China.
 
“Here, there are more opportunities for our innovative braking shims and there is a strong demand for local support in research and development,” Law continued. “The new R&D centre has high-tech equipment that facilitates controlled testing of brake and engine noise. For example, simulation of brake noise can be conducted here under various driving conditions and at temperatures varying from -30° to +45°C. The R&D centre also has a laser scanner that facilitates measuring of vibration levels for various engine components.”