TRW opens its biggest tech centre in China

Global component supplier TRW Automotive has, earlier this month, opened its largest-ever technical centre – a 66,000 square metre facility – located in Anting, China.

The facility, which has been designed and built to house more than 20 scientific testing labs supporting all of TRW's main business areas including braking, steering and suspension, occupant safety and safety electronics, will employ more than 1,200 members of engineering, research and technical staff.

John C Plant, TRW Automotive chairman and CEO, said: "This is a move which demonstrates our continued investment and commitment to supporting automotive manufacturers in bringing advanced vehicle safety systems to the Chinese market and the broader Asia Pacific region. With the number of cars on the road in China expected to double by 2020, the issues of improved vehicle safety and education, for both drivers and other road users, have to be a priority for the industry.

"TRW will continue to invest in these areas – with the new Anting Technical Center being our latest milestone for bringing automotive safety systems to the Chinese market. From electronically controlled braking and steering systems, to semi-automated driving, the Anting Technical Center positions us well to serve our Chinese customers' vehicle safety needs today and well into the future.

The new Anting Technical Center will also house research & development, engineering design & application, and testing & validation activities across all of TRW's product lines, as well as providing customers with direct access to technical and commercial services.

TRW Automotive, which recorded sales of $17.4 billion (Rs 104,643 crore) in 2013, through its subsidiaries, operates in 24 countries and employs around 65,000 people worldwide. Its products include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems (seatbelts and airbags), electronics, engine components, fastening systems and aftermarket replacement parts and services.