By Qiu Quanlin (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-11-03 10:16

China's largest auto glass maker Fuyao Industry Group Co Ltd will open an overseas manufacturing base in the next three to five years, its president said.

"The plant will further expand our business growth in the overseas market," said Cao Tok-wong, without giving a location.

Cao said overseas markets contributed almost 35 percent of Fuyao's 3.67 billion yuan (US$491.96 million) in sales in the first three quarters, while its overseas original equipment manufacturer (OEM) business grew by 152 percent.

The company, based in Fuqing of Fujian Province, is the fourth largest maker of vehicle glass in the world, with offices in the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Russia and Europe.

The company has vehicle glass manufacturing plants in Changchun, Shanghai, Chongqing, Beijing and Guangzhou, and modern float glass facilities in Fujian, Jilin, Inner Mongolia and Hainan.

Analysts said Chinese firms were increasingly moving manufacturing offshore to dodge trade disputes and lower costs.

"It is a logical step. But what we are more concerned about is delivering our products more efficiently overseas, as there is huge demand for vehicle glass of high quality on the international market," Cao said.

Fuyao is an OEM supplier to well-known auto brands in China and holds market share of more than 50 percent.

It's been approved by eight international carmakers and supplies OEM products to Audi, Bentley, VW, GM, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, PSA, Volvo, Hyundai and DaimlerChrysler.