A European sealing manufacturer has expanded its production network by opening two new locations in Asia. The company will now produce seals in China and Vietnam. The two new sites of the Swiss group Angst+Pfister have already started operations and are successfully active in Asia. Over the next five years, the company plans to invest more than ten million euros per plant in technology and equipment.
With these two new production facilities, Angst+Pfister is expanding its network. They supply Asian and global companies with various sealing components. A delegation led by Angst+Pfister CEO Christof Domeisen attended the official opening ceremonies.
On March 18, 2024, the opening of the Chinese ARAP Sealing International – a joint venture company of Angst+Pfister with the Italian Argomm Group – took place. Together with Ercole Galizzi of the Argomm owner family, Christof Domeisen spoke to the invited guests on site. Among them were representatives of local authorities as well as the China-Switzerland and China-Italy chambers of commerce. Christof Domeisen welcomed the further development of the free trade agreement between China and Switzerland: "With our innovations, we want to advance our customers here and at the same time benefit from the know-how of leading universities and companies in China."
Asian Market of Great Importance
The location in the Changzhou National Hi-Tech District (China) offers the particular advantage of proximity to potential customers and the metropolis of Shanghai. With the first 30 employees, the company was immediately able to win significant Asian automotive and industrial customers and already began mass production for them. Many customers attended the celebrations in Changzhou and were given a tour of the new plant following a traditional ceremony featuring a Chinese lion dance.
Just two days later, the opening of APVN Sealing in the Ho Nai Industrial Park in Biên Hòa City, Vietnam took place. This location was chosen due to its strategically important position to serve customers in Southeast Asian countries (ASEAN). The ceremony was honored by the Swiss Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Werner Bardill, as well as Pham Van Cuong from the Trade and Industry Department of Dong Nai Province.
Eray Ulugül, Chief Production Officer of Angst+Pfister, manages the two new plants in Asia. At the opening, he emphasized: "Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world with a very well-educated young generation. We want to be a part of this but also contribute." Important plans are being pursued here. Angst+Pfister founded the company independently and also started it up last November. APVN Sealing is already producing for its first customers from the food industry.
ARAP Sealing International and APVN Sealing have already successfully achieved the desired ISO and automotive industry quality certifications. Currently, the new plants are undergoing all industry-standard approval procedures from their customers. Both companies will soon complete their GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification for manufacturing products that come into contact with food.
