Wartsila Yuchai Engine Co., Ltd, a joint venture between Wartsila and Yuchai Marine Power Co., Ltd., has inaugurated its new factory in Doumen District, Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China. The new factory covers a total area of 266,700 square meters and will be used for the assembly and testing of Wartsila 20, Wartsila 26 and Wartsila 32 medium speed engines. The assembly lines and test beds are in partial operation already, and the plant is expected to be in full production before the end of 2016. Wartsila and Yuchai Marine Power Co. Ltd. (YCMP), a subsidiary of Guangxi Yuchai Group, established the 50/50 joint venture in May 2013. The joint venture, for which the value of Wartsila's investment was approximately EUR 17 million, will strengthen Wartsila’s competitiveness in the Asian markets and increase its focus on the offshore and special segments in China, the world’s largest shipbuilding country.
"As China is the world's major supplier of newbuild ships, the Chinese market plays a central role in Wartsila's global growth strategy. By inaugurating another Wartsila joint venture in China, we not only demonstrate our strong commitment to this important market, but also take another significant step towards enhancing our presence in the region. Strengthening our local production capacity is an important part of this strategy. Through this partnership with Yuchai, China's leading high-speed engine manufacturer and market leader, we are convinced we can serve our customers in China in the best possible way and further reinforce our market leadership position for medium-speed engines," says Bj?rn Rosengren, President and CEO of Wartsila Corporation.
"We are proud to witness the inauguration of Wartsila Yuchai Engine Company. Wartsila is a global technology leader in the marine industry with a broad range of high quality offerings with economical and environmental advantages for ship owners and operators. In line with the vision of Yuchai Group, this joint venture is a key milestone in our significant long-term cooperation with Wartsila in serving the local marine industry. This is also a great example of two leading companies working together to create jobs, growth and prosperity,“says Gu Tangsheng, President of Yuchai Group.
The Wartsila 20, Wartsila 26 and Wartsila 32 engines that Wartsila Yuchai Engine Company produces are all well established on the market, and are known for their reliability, fuel efficiency and low levels of exhaust emissions. They are also fully optimized for today’s flexible manufacturing methods. All three engines are fully compliant with the IMO Tier II exhaust emission regulations as set out in Annex VI of the MARPOL 73/78 convention.