AWL-Techniek builds bridges between Europe en China
With the appointment of Zhanqi Guo, Ph.D., as Business Development Manager China, AWL makes a significant step forward in extending its business to the East.
95% of AWL’s annual turnover stems from the European market and most of that is automotive driven. As more and more car manufactures are moving to China and the local car manufactures are also growing, the need for AWL to pursue the Chinese market is increasing rapidly.
After intensive research AWL decided to set-up a small operation in China, which should be up and running by the end of 2012. Mr. Guo has been given the task of realizing this and setting up a head office in the Shanghai region. He will also be responsible for recruiting several Chinese engineers with the objective of providing training and technical support to AWL’s customers.
Mr. Guo has a long history of building bridges between East and West. Over the last decade he has worked at the University of Delft as an Assistant Professor for international research projects. In this role he has developed the relationship between Dutch and Chinese universities. He has a business degree in Mechanical Engineering which, among other qualifications, makes him a great candidate for the task at hand.
The focus for AWL in China will be on laser welding. AWL has extensive knowledge with this fast-growing technology. As the market in China is growing rapidly, the demand for laser applications is expected to follow, providing a great opportunity for AWL.
In rising to the challenge, AWL takes the next step in setting up its business beyond the borders of Europe. “Going to China was not an easy decision. We had to take all sorts of elements into account. But now we know for certain, and with the appointment of Mr. Guo, we are confident this venture will be a success”, says Brand van ‘t Hof, Technical Director AWL-Techniek.
Setting up a business in China completes the global partnership programme AWL set up in 2010, which intended a global presence. With partners in Europe, North America and soon China, AWL can support its customers in both hemispheres.
For more information about the development of AWL in China, please contact Zhanqi Guo. Telephone: +31 (0)341 411 811 or send an e-mail to z.guo@awl.nl