German multinational Freudenberg Group is strengthening its commitment to the Chinese market through increased investment in local research, development and manufacturing capabilities.

NOK-Freudenberg, a joint venture between Freudenberg and Japanese manufacturer NOK, opened its China Technology Center and new factory in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, late last month. The project represents a total investment of 200 million yuan ($27.84 million) and features smart manufacturing workshops and advanced R&D laboratories.

The facility will focus on high-growth sectors such as new energy vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, wind power, and robotics. By leveraging this innovation platform, NOK-Freudenberg (China) aims to deliver customized, cutting-edge solutions and responsive services to Chinese clients. This marks a major step by Freudenberg to expand its local footprint and contribute to China's industrial upgrading.

China has become Freudenberg's third-largest market. As of 2024, the group operated over 80 locations across the country, including 27 manufacturing sites. Its total China sales reached 10.73 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.9 percent, outperforming the group's global growth of 0.4 percent.

Wang Jiayu, Freudenberg's regional representative in China, emphasized the group's confidence in the Chinese market, noting that Freudenberg sees great value and potential in continued investment to meet the diverse and evolving needs of Chinese customers.

Earlier this year, on March 18, Freudenberg subsidiary Vibracoustic, an industry leader in automotive noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) solutions, put into operation its first air spring production line in Wuxi. As a core business segment with the largest global market share, the expansion of air spring production underscores Freudenberg's strong confidence in the local market.