BMW Brilliance Automotive expands production capacity in China

 On 19th May 2017, BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) expanded its Dadong/Shenyang plant by opening a newly built north section of its automotive plant.

 The highlight of the opening ceremony was the first long-wheelbase version of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. The new plant comprises of highly-advanced production system with the latest sustainability standards. With its two production locations in Dadong and Tiexi, BBA will have a total annual capacity of up to 450,000 units.

“The Dadong plant demonstrates the success of our joint venture and the BMW 5 Series in China. The extension of the northern section underlines our clear commitment to the Chinese market. BBA has invested a total of one billion euros in the expansion of its Dadong production location over the past three years. The locally-produced BMW 5 Series has been an unmitigated success: It was the top-selling vehicle in the premium segment in China in 2016 and we expect it to remain the leader in its segment,” remarked Dr. Nicolas Peter, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Finance, at the opening ceremony in China.

“Our production in China is well prepared for further market growth. The new north section is the result of the latest technologies and comprehensive knowledge of the BMW production system,” added Oliver Zipse, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Production. “We will continue to invest in our highly innovative production sites in China. Our next project is already underway: the remodelling of the southern section of Plant Dadong. Once finished, it will give us even greater flexibility and more potential for growth.”

Highly-advanced technology and new sustainability standards

The extension of the northern section shall include all key technologies like - press plant, body shop, paint shop and assembly – and utilises highly-advanced equipment and the latest in process digitalisation. Use of  3D computer simulation for an extremely high quality standard. To reduce the workload for production employees there would be innovative exoskeletons worn directly on the body. Mobile smart devices such as tablets for the information required.

BBA President Dr. Johann Wieland emphasized, “BMW Brilliance is recognised as one of the most visionary and successful premium auto makers in China. We are a leading employer, a major contributor to the local economy and a reliable corporate partner.”

The Shenyang production location

The Shenyang location plays an important role in the BMW Group’s global production network as it helps in installing production capacity in the respective regional markets. A key component of the Shenyang location is the engine plant with light-metal foundry – the BMW Group’s only engine production facility outside Europe. The engine plant supplies the two vehicle production sites in Dadong and Tiexi with drive units for locally-produced BMW automobiles. A new high-voltage battery centre, which will assemble high-voltage batteries for plug-in hybrid vehicles, is currently under construction.