A joint venture between commercial vehicle manufacturer Iveco and motor corporation SAIC has to led to a state-of the-art plant in China.
The partnership, named Naveco, is based in Qiaolin, Nanjing, Jiangsu province. It recently launched the new Iveco Daily unit from the site.
It offers a brand new manufacturing plant for the production of light commercial vehicles, transmissions and engines with an investment of 1.8 billion RMB (just under NZ$400 million).
It is among the most advanced technology and manufacturing facility in China. It spreads over 843,000 square metres, of which 250,000 is covered, with production capacity up to 100,000 vehicles per year.
A large area is dedicated to product development and body building activities.
It uses extensive automation and precision welding is carried out by more than 130 robots working in a modern workshop.
A new robotised press shop uses 3D laser cutting and a high quality painting process relies on the state-of-the art paint line.
It is also a world-class green operation and uses energy regeneration with solutions such as its solar cell, rainwater and process water recycling system.
It reduces the environmental impact of its operations through practices such as waste gas burning, rain and sewage diversion and wastewater treatment.
The facility aims to reduce energy consumption by 30% and to increase per capita output value by 25%.
The factory employs around 3,200 people with the Naveco brand operating through eight regional centres, 119 dealer outlets and 349 service providers throughout China.
Naveco competes in the evolving light bus and van segment, with a total market volume of 365,000 units in China in 2016.
Iveco brand president Pierre Lahutte says the partnership is an important milestone.
“The new plant is a commitment to deliver a top quality product to the Chinese market.
“Through world class manufacturing, this facility puts quality and sustainability at the heart of its operation and will play a central role in our strategy [to] support China’s transition to sustainable transport and manufacturing,” Lahutte says.
