Bosal opens emission systems plant in Chongqing, China

The Belgium-based Bosal Group has opened its first production facility for automotive emission control systems in Chongqing, China. According to the company, the new 2700 m2 facility in Dadukou District will produce innovative emission control systems and components for passenger car manufacturers in the region. The factory is reporteldy equipped with a latest technology production line including laser welding and CNC roll forming. The news comes less than 8 months after the firm closed its UK production operations with the loss of over 100 jobs.

In 2014 the plant will supply systems for 45,000 new Suzuki vehicles for the Chinese home market, expanding to 110,000 emission control systems per year within four years. The total volume that the facility will handle is anticipated to grow well beyond that number, as Bosal intends to serve multiple passenger car manufacturers, from its global customer base, also operating in the region.

The founder of the Bosal Group, Dr. Karel Bos, and his wife, Mrs. Bos, joined the opening ceremony on 6 November 2013, which was hosted by the president and group CEO Aad Goudriaan and Dr Johan van de Ven, division director, BOSAL Emission Control Systems. Amongst the honoured guests were  Liu Chenglong, Chang’ An Suzuki, Bai Xiaoling, Chongqing Foreign Trade & Economy Commission and Yao Li, Dadukou District Mayor.

Aad Goudriaan said: “The opening of this new manufacturing facility in Chongqing is the first stage of our expansion intoChina as part of our strategy to achieve global growth.”

Chinese R&D centre to follow

The Bosal Group is also planning to open an advanced Research & Development Centre in China later this year, ensuring the company continues to build close geographic, technical and commercial partnerships with its automotive customers. Furthermore, the Bosal Group is reportedly exploring further expansion in China.

Bosal founder Dr. Karel Bos said: “I’m very pleased with the opening of the Chongqing plant, which marks a new chapter in the rich history and bright future of Bosal.”

Established in 1923, the Bosal Group is headquartered in Lummen, Belgium. In 2012 the annual turnover was in excess of 795 million euros. Bosal group employs more than 5,000 people and operates manufacturing facilities in 27 countries, including five R&D centres and 18 distribution centres. BOSAL´s customer base includes most global car manufacturers as well as a number of leading industrial conglomerates.

Chongqing is China’s third largest centre for motor vehicle production.