May 8, 2008—Milwaukee, WI: Rockwell Automation marked 20 years of business in China with a series of events held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Beijing. Senior executives from Rockwell Automation, global manufacturing leaders, industry specialists, strategic decision makers and various media attended the events to commemorate the occasion.
“Most of our early work in China involved working with U.S. customers to apply automated manufacturing technology in their facilities there,” said Tom O’Reilly, managing director and chairman of Rockwell Automation China Ltd. “During the past 20 years, our work has evolved to help Chinese manufacturers establish manufacturing infrastructure and systems. Along the way, we have established strong relationships with Chinese enterprises, end users, channels partners, encompass partners, universities, design institutes, OEMs and suppliers.”
Since opening its first Chinese facility in 1988, Rockwell Automation has established 25 sales offices, five training facilities, one software development center, two OEM application and development centers, and manufacturing facilities in Shanghai, employing more than 1,000 staff. Additionally, Rockwell Automation recently announced that it will consolidate the company’s resources in China including sales, distribution, R&D, management, finance and customer support to form a comprehensive platform to better serve Chinese customers and market needs.
To manage government policies on energy efficiency, Rockwell Automation provides Chinese customers with energy-saving products and technology, especially in areas of power control, water and wastewater treatment control systems, and plant-floor control and information solutions. Additionally, its safety products and technology help customers improve manufacturing safety, reduce manufacturing risks, and improve operating efficiency.
Rockwell Automation also has established various community programs throughout China. In 1998, the China University Partnership Program was started, in which Rockwell Automation established joint automation laboratories with top Chinese universities, sponsored automation equipment, and provided scholarships for students enrolled in Chinese higher education programs. Approximately 50,000 students have benefited from the University Partnership Program in the past 10 years.
For more information about the Chinese operations of Rockwell Automation, please visit http://www.rockwellautomation.com.cn
