ECKART: Gathering Pace in China

10-30-2008: ECKART announced the completion of its first production facility in Asia, located in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China.

The production site covers 33,000 sqm, which includes manufacturing for metallic printing inks and aluminium pigments for coatings. The facilities will also house laboratories, distribution, shipping warehouses and offices. The investment of around 10 million Euros which includes technology transfer to ensure same quality and environmental standards are upheld. Capacity will be 2,200 metric tons/annum which will be expanded to 5,000 metric tons/annum in the coming years.

Localized production and technical application labs according to ECKART Germany's specification will provide a unique situation. Developing Zhuhai into a fully integrated facility within our production sites around the world will ensure that ECKART will be in a position to provide the same quality and service levels to the China market as it provides globally. This will enable ECKART to co-work on projects with its international and local customers to develop localized solutions including tailor-made products for the Chinese and Asian markets.

Having the same equipment in its production and application labs will facilitate communication, allowing ECKART to utilize additional resources from Germany, further adding to Zhuhai's value added solution providing capabilities. ECKART Zhuhai will be in a position to bring improved solutions to its customers in a more timely and effective way.

ECKART Zhuhai will be ALTANA's 5th production location in China, in addition to its numerous service laboratories and sales offices. The level of participation reflects the rapid growth and importance of China and the Asia region.