2025 VDMA Localization Roundtable Successfully Held in FUCHS Suzhou Plant
On October 23, "2025 VDMA Localization Roundtable," hosted by the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) and co-organized by GMECS, was successfully held in FUCHS Suzhou Plant.
Under the theme "Unlocking the Full Potential of Localization in the China Market", the event gathered senior management and industry experts from renowned German companies including FUCHS and Festo to explore new paths for localized development.
Plant Tour: An Intimate Look at FUCHS's Smart Manufacturing Strength
The event kicked off with a tour of FUCHS Suzhou Plant. Through on-site inspections, participants gained a firsthand experience of the advanced smart manufacturing capabilities and localized production scale that FUCHS has established in China.
Case Study: FUCHS's Localization Practice Leads the Transformation to "Value Driver"
In the case study session, Gao Song, VP PMI of FUCHS China, systematically introduced FUCHS's 3L Strategy (Local R&D, Local Sourcing, Local Production). He also shared FUCHS's practical experience through customer cases, vividly illustrating that the localization strategy has been transformed into a crucial component of the company's core competitiveness.
Strategic Perspective: Full Value-Chain Layout Empowers Sustainable Growth
Roger Chen, VP of BR GCN & Head of Plant GPC JN at Festo Production Ltd., delivered a keynote speech on "Localization for Sustainable Growth." He elaborated on the strategic rationale behind Festo's full-value-chain localization covering production, sales, and R&D in China, highlighting the core significance of deepening local presence to enhance market responsiveness and competitiveness.
Roundtable Dialogue: Building Consensus for Practical Localization Advancement
The roundtable discussion focused on core issues such as "How to bring HQ on board," conducting in-depth and practical exchanges. Participants shared valuable insights around three key directions:
・ The Imperative of Localization: Deep localization has become a core strategic support for German companies to maintain and enhance market share in China;
・ Protecting Core Technology: Exploring ways to balance technology transfer and IP protection in the localization process;
・ Effective Communication Strategies: Securing HQ' resources and support efficiently through solid data analysis, successful local pilot cases, and customer co-creation results.
Extended Program: Exploring FUCHS Asia Pacific Technology Center and Discussing New Cooperation Opportunities
Following the roundtable, participants traveled to Shanghai for a special visit to the FUCHS Asia Pacific Technology Center. Through in-depth exchanges, they gained a thorough understanding of FUCHS's core strength in driving technology innovation through localized R&D and its future direction.
Subsequently, FUCHS hosted a networking dinner in Shanghai, where attendees continued discussions on the day's topics in a relaxed atmosphere, further building consensus on cooperation and exploring win-win opportunities.
With FUCHS's localization practice as an important fulcrum, the event provided a platform for in-depth exchanges, facilitating comprehensive discussions on the integration and enhancement of the local value chain—from production and strategic layout to R&D innovation—offering practical references for the high-quality development of German companies in China.