KraussMaffei eyes growth driven by nation's innovation

China offers a vast and increasingly sophisticated market for the advanced manufacturing technologies of KraussMaffei, expanding automotive, medical and electronics sectors, a top executive said.

China's strong focus on innovation, coupled with government policies promoting high-tech development and sustainable manufacturing, created an "ideal environment" for the company, said KraussMaffei China Chief Administrative Officer Ma Lan.

As an overseas subsidiary of Sinochem Holdings, KraussMaffei expects to benefit directly from China's economic rebound and rising consumption, with continued business growth in the market, she said.

According to Ma, the transition to high-quality development under China's upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) is fueling a surge in the low-carbon economy, fundamentally creating a strong market imperative for higher-specification materials providers like KraussMaffei, which prioritizes technological advancement, low-carbon transformation and scientific self-reliance.

Ma believes China's speeding up of the development of this concept will be conducive to long-term stable economic growth and bolstering technological innovation and industrial upgrading.

China's commitment to its dual carbon goals is creating massive demand for green and intelligent manufacturing solutions. KraussMaffei's machinery for processing lightweight and recycled materials, crucial for cutting energy consumption and waste in production, is directly positioned to capitalize on this regulatory push for environmental sustainability across sectors, she said.

Ma believes this focus on modernization means a strong push to upgrade traditional sectors, including the chemical and machinery industries, by integrating artificial intelligence, automation and digital twins — all core competencies for the company's smart manufacturing solutions.

The rapid expansion of China's automotive sector, particularly in new energy vehicles, also offers tremendous market opportunities for global players in the plastics equipment industry like KraussMaffei, she said.

The company is actively tapping into the growing demand for lightweight materials, automation and smart manufacturing solutions.

Lin Boqiang, head of the China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy at Xiamen University, said China's appeal to foreign companies is growing as it advances high-standard opening-up by fully lifting restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing and consistently improving its business environment, particularly in the manufacturing and producer services sectors.

China will remain a key driver of global economic growth and a stabilizing force in international supply chains, he said.

"KraussMaffei's deepening commitment is reflected in its continued investment in local research and development, facilities and partnerships," said Ma.

"As the Chinese market evolves with an emphasis on high-end, high-quality products, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends and further strengthen its global market position."