Brose Sitech Shanghai celebrates 20th anniversary

Shanghai. Brose Sitech (Shanghai) Automotive Systems Co., Ltd., located in Baoshan, Shanghai, celebrated its 20th anniversary. Thomas Spangler, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)  Brose Sitech Group, Kai Feuerherdt, Chief People Management Officer (CPMO) Brose Sitech Group,  Vincent Wang,General Manager of Brose Sitech China, leaders from the Baoshan District Government, Baoshan Industrial Park,  Volkswagen, Brose, and other leaders and employees from all levels attended the celebration ceremony. Since its establishment in June 2004, the company witnessed not only its own growth but also the rapid development of China's manufacturing industry. From the initial dream with a spirit of craftsmanship, embarking on an extraordinary journey, to today's modern factory with a significant scale, 60 patents, and multiple awards, the development of Brose Sitech Shanghai has been full of challenges and opportunities. This milestone moment is not only a glorious review of the hard work and outstanding achievements of the past twenty years, a thank you to the government, customers, and partners who have supported the development of the enterprise to date, but also a firm outlook on the future development and a new journey for the company.

Commencement of expertise and advanced technology
In June 2004, Brose Sitech Shanghai embarked on its journey in Baoshan District, braving a myriad of challenges from the outset. Armed with dedication to superior product quality, an insatiable drive for innovation, and an unbridled zeal for the automotive industry, the company swiftly etched its mark in the competitive landscape and secured a firm standing. Through a relentless focus on refining product capabilities and elevating service excellence, Brose Sitech Shanghai has garnered the enduring confidence and patronage of its clientele, thus crafting a bedrock for sustainable growth and prosperity.With the passage of time, Brose Sitech Shanghai has seamlessly integrated cutting-edge production technologies and progressive management practices, effecting a strategic evolution from traditional manual operations to an advanced, state-of-the-art manufacturing hub. The company's commitment to manufacturing excellence is matched by its relentless pursuit of innovation in research and development.

In 2009, the Brose Sitech Shanghai launched its Technology Research and Development Center, assembling a team of elite development engineers and technical experts. This dedicated group spearheads pivotal engineering development initiatives, including the crafting of prototypes, pioneering technological research, and rigorous experimental testing. The center is organized into specialized units focused on comprehensive seat design, structure and cover development, product certification, cutting-edge product innovation, and the development of tailored customer solutions. With a vision to meet the standards set by Chinese regulations and to align with industry trends and user demands, the center is at the forefront of integrating advanced features such as ventilated seats, massage functions, leg support systems, and low whiplash headrests into its multifunctional seating solutions. The team is dedicated to bringing sophisticated three-dimensional concepts to life, refining the design process through iterative prototyping and real-world application.

Since its start of operation, Brose Sitech Shanghai has been a dedicated manufacturer and supplier of automotive components, including structures, complete seats, and various parts for a range of models such as the Tiguan L, Tiguan X, Touran, Touran-Taxi, Teramont, Skoda's Fabia, Yeti, Octavia, Superb, and Audi's A5 and A7, all for SAIC Volkswagen's facilities in Anting and Ningbo. To date, Brose Sitech Shanghai factory's seats grace over 4 million passenger vehicles. 

The year 2022 marks a milestone for the Shanghai factory, as the newly founded joint venture Brose Sitech, an independent automotive seating systems supplier, officially embarked on its global market journey from 1 January. Headquartered in Poland's Polkowice, the Brose Sitech Group currently has approximately 5,000 employees across nine production bases in five countries, including Poland, Germany,  the Czech Republic, China and Portugal. Looking ahead to 2030, the group anticipates doubling its sales to 2.8 billion euros and expanding its workforce to around 7,000 employees. This development plan not only heralds a wealth of new resources and opportunities for the company but also signifies its commitment and investment in market expansion and technological innovation.

In January 2022, Brose Sitech Shanghai's first wholly-owned subsidiary, Brose Sitech (Anhui) Automotive Systems Co., Ltd., was officially established in Hefei. The new company is the group's second project in China following Brose Sitech Shanghai. The main business of the factory is to provide seating solutions for Volkswagen's related models in Anhui, and it is also actively expanding further cooperation with other OEMs in Hefei. Brose Sitech Anhui will have the capability for structure production, complete seat assembly, and JIS supply, a strategic move that signifies the group's solid steps in regional expansion and market layout. In December 2023, the Cupra Tavascan, co-designed by the Spanish automotive supplier SEAT and its sub-brand Cupra, as well as the first model of Volkswagen Anhui for the Chinese market, ID. Unyx, were successively put into mass production in Anhui with their complete seats.

During the celebratory event, esteemed leaders from the Baoshan District Government, distinguished representatives of SAIC Volkswagen clients, and top executives from Brose Sitech delivered eloquent and heartfelt addresses.

Huiqing Chen, Vice Mayor of Baoshan District, said, ‘Brose Sitech's flourishing presence in Baoshan is a source of immense pride for us. As a distinguished multinational corporation, it has not only become an integral part of our community but has also profoundly enriched our local economy through its remarkable contributions. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the company for its significant endeavors in the job market, introducing a wealth of high-caliber employment opportunities and nurturing skilled professionals, thereby propelling the industrial evolution within our district. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Brose Sitech Shanghai, it is an honor to join in this momentous occasion and extend our warmest congratulations. Engaging in and observing the brand's Chinese development narrative and the swift advancement of China's automotive industry is profoundly meaningful to us. We pledge to sustain our unwavering support, forging ahead collaboratively towards the years to come.‘

Thomas Spangler, CEO  Brose Sitech Group, expressed his sentiments: ‘I am deeply moved by the unwavering commitment and the remarkable milestones we have collectively achieved. Reflecting on our group‘s 25-year journey, we have consistently pushed the boundaries of our business.Despite market fluctuations and challenges, each adversity has propelled us forward. Our group has excelled not only in technological advancements and product innovation but also in shaping corporate culture and fulfilling social responsibilities. Amidst the market volatility of recent years, we have been proactively transforming, with the Shanghai factory, backed by government and customer support, persistently securing new projects, diversifying our product range, and enhancing our competencies. As the vanguard of our brand in China, the Shanghai factory is instrumental in advancing our brand strategy, .With the 20th anniversary of our Shanghai entity as a new beginning, let us join hands, fueled by passion and resolve, to embrace the new challenges of the market.

 Kai Feuerherdt, CPMO Brose Sitech Group, remarked,  ‘It is with great pleasure that we get to celebrate this pivotal and invigorating milestone with you here in Shanghai today. I would like to express my profound appreciation to the entire workforce for their unwavering commitment. Over these two decades, the Shanghai team has flourished, honed its skills, and forged strong collaborative bonds, with each milestone a result of the relentless pursuit of excellence by every team member and leader. Talent is the cornerstone of our enterprise and the engine of our enduring expansion. 

Vincent Wang, Executive Vice President and General Manager Brose Sitech China, encapsulated the two-decade journey of the Shanghai company, highlighting, ‘Twenty years ago, on the fertile and vibrant ground of Baoshan, we sowed the seeds of our aspirations. Throughout this journey marked by challenges and opportunities, we have been buoyed by the robust backing of government entities, the conducive environment of the industrial park, and the steadfast trust of our clientele. Our team, embodying a spirit of commitment, has forged ahead with unyielding perseverance, achieving notable business milestones and commendable team growth. Shanghai factory stands as a pivotal pillar for numerous projects within Brose Sitech China and a central hub for several initiatives in China.It is not merely a formidable prop for our group's strategic global initiatives but also a catalyst for local economic vibrancy and the enhancement of the industrial chain. let us embark on a new voyage, with the conviction that the forthcoming two decades will be replete with even greater splendor!‘