Emerson to build $18m research center in Suzhou

Emerson, the United States headquartered automation solutions company, plans to invest 115 million yuan ($17.85 million) in a new research center in Suzhou, said the company last week.

To better localize in the Chinese market, Emerson decided to invest in a research and solutions center in Suzhou to help with its business in the area of air-conditioning, heating and cooling.

The company regards such investment as a "milestone" in its Chinese market.

"China is now the second-largest market of Emerson," said Hakan Erdamar, president of Emerson commercial and residential solutions in Asia, Middle East and Africa. He said the planned research center will become a vital part of the company's strategy of "in China, for China".

He said the center will not only help the company build more connection with its Chinese clients but also will help attract more talents and experts.

The new research and solutions center will be spread across 34,960 square meters. It will be put into use by next February.

The company currently owns 20 manufacturing factories and 15 engineering centers in China. Last November, the company invested 255 million yuan to expand its Suzhou factory.  

According to the multinational company's financial report on the second quarter of 2018, its net profit from commercial property solutions business increased by two percent. Asia grew 17 percent year-on-year due to the continued strong demand from China and elsewhere in the region. And the company predicted a further growth in the next half year of 2018.

In the automation solutions department, Chinese market has grown 20 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2018.