GF Piping Systems has been manufacturing in the People's Republic since 1998, providing customer-driven service to meet rising demand for modern building technology and reliable water distribution. Last year, two new factories of the joint venture GF Chinaust near Shanghai started up production.

Georg Fischer has invested a total of €6.8 million in the new Beijing facility. The investment is paying off, since demand for top-quality piping systems in China is substantial. The country's standard of living is rising and along with it the desire for a reliable supply of water and gas and new, comfortable living accommodation. China has become GF Piping Systems' largest and most important market. "In the first half of 2010 we chalked up sales growth of 45% in this country," said Pietro Lori, president of GF Piping Systems, in Beijing. "In 2009, China accounted for 14% of total sales and is likely to account for significantly more in 2010."

"The new production plant in Beijing shortens transport times and simplifies logistics. This means big savings for our customers," explains Pietro Lori. He expects capacity utilisation rates at the new Beijing plant to be high within two years. Initially, the factory will create 60 new jobs. The expectation is that another 100 employees will be hired by the end of the initial phase in autumn 2011.