German heating manufacturer invests in WND

German heating manufacturer Vaillant Group signed an agreement to establish its first research and development and manufacturing base outside of Europe in Wuxi National Hi-tech District on Feb 15.

With a total investment of €200 million ($213 million), the new base will occupy 160 mu (10.67 hectares), including 96 mu for the first phase of construction for R&D and production of the world's top wall-hung boilers, water heaters, and fresh air systems.

The first phase of the base is scheduled to begin construction in the first quarter of this year and be put into operation by the end of next year. It is expected to become one of the core centers of the company's global R&D and production network and support the city's industrial transformation and upgrading.

During the online ceremony, Wuxi Mayor Zhao Jianjun expressed his gratitude for the company's support and the confidence it has shown in Wuxi's development. Zhao mentioned the city's good business environment, convenient opening-up policies, and superior living environment.

Norbert Schiedeck, CEO of Vaillant Group, thanked Wuxi for its support and explained the company's current research and production situation. He said that in recent years, Vaillant Group has successfully convinced a number of European suppliers to invest in the Chinese market.

Vaillant Group, founded more than 140 years ago, invented the world's first hot water heater and gas wall-hung boiler and is Europe's largest international heating supply group.