Rockwell Automation vows to assist manufacturing transformation

Rockwell Automation says it sees great potential in China as it moves to high-end manufacturing driven by the Made in China 2025 strategy.

"As the second largest single country market right after the United States, China is a strategically important market for us, and we see great opportunity in this market, Rockwell Automation Asia Pacific President Joe Sousa said. "We have been consistently investing in China."

Since Rockwell Automation entered China in 1988, the company has gone through rapid growth and expansion, he said.

"We will continue to increase investment and expand our capability in China, to help Chinese manufacturers achieve smart manufacturing."

He said China's goal to boost the manufacturing industry and accelerate the transformation from a big manufacturing power to a strong manufacturing power has provided them with a great opportunity for cooperation.

"We are committed to supporting China to achieve smart manufacturing through 'The Connected Enterprise', which helps Chinese manufacturers become more globally competitive by getting products to market faster while lowering costs, improving asset utilization and reducing risk," he said.

The company has links to major universities in China to cultivate the next generation of engineers. For younger students, it hopes to inspire the next generation of innovators with investments in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

The company has also worked with Chinese automobile manufacturers, including SAIC Motor, GAC, and Dongfeng Motor, helping them achieve speed to market, operations optimization, workforce skills enhancement and lifecycle management.

At present, Rockwell Automation now has over 2,250 employees with 34 offices in many provinces across China, one global R&D center in Shanghai, one software development center in Dalian and two plants.