The nation's first such initiative has been launched in Taizhou!
On 18 January, with the formal commissioning of the second-phase factory building at Valeo Wenling Automotive Components Co., Ltd. in Taizhou, Valeo Group's first windscreen wiper blade extrusion line in the Asia-Pacific region commenced simultaneous operation. This 100-metre-long intelligent production line requires only two operators to achieve a stable output of 20 metres of wiper blades per minute, representing a leap in both production capacity and efficiency.
This milestone signifies the end of long-term reliance on imports for core wiper components in the Chinese market, marking a pivotal transition from ‘technology introduction’ to ‘local intelligent manufacturing’. As the first foreign-funded enterprise to establish operations in Wenling back in 1994, the launch of this new production line represents not only a milestone in the Company's development within China, but also serves as a vivid testament to Taizhou's manufacturing sector transitioning towards high-value-added ‘intelligent manufacturing’.
A decade-long endeavour to reshape the supply chain.
In the past, we imported roughly half of our rubber blades. With this production line now operational, we have essentially achieved self-sufficiency," stated Chen Xiaoguang, President of Valeo Wiper Systems Asia Pacific, emphasising the line's significant strategic importance.
The newly commissioned 100-metre extrusion line demonstrates significant technological advantages. Compared to traditional moulding processes, it achieves a quantum leap in efficiency—whereas the original process yielded only six rubber strips per 15 minutes per machine, the new production line requires just two operators to achieve continuous output of 20 metres per minute. More notably, it represents a breakthrough in flexible manufacturing: whereas traditional processes required six months to develop new moulds for product changes, technicians can now complete switchovers within a week by adjusting the die.
The rubber strip, described by engineers as the ‘heart’ of the wiper system, presents the highest technical barriers in extrusion. ‘Previous reliance on imports posed a primary challenge of “security”,’ explains Chen Xiaoguang. During global capacity shortages, meeting Chinese market demand was difficult to prioritise. The second challenge was “timeliness”: with rubber strip raw materials having a shelf life of approximately six months, ‘sea freight from Europe alone takes over a month, not including pre- and post-transportation handling times.’
Localised production proved to be precisely the remedy required. Supply chains were shortened from months to days, resulting in products that were fresher and more stable in performance, while completely eliminating quality risks during transit. Crucially, the elimination of international freight costs and tariffs led to significant cost optimisation, markedly enhancing Valeo's price competitiveness in global markets.
This production line, embodying Valeo's decades of expertise, underwent an implementation process that proved a protracted endeavour. Wu Zongwen, General Manager of the Wenling plant, revealed that the team spent a decade preparing and lobbying before the opportunity for a new production line at headquarters finally materialised in 2023, driven by expanding global market demand.
The successful implementation of this project owes much to favourable timing, advantageous location and harmonious collaboration,‘ remarked Chen Xiaoguang. ’Market demand, cost pressures, coupled with the sustained policy support from the Wenling Municipal Party Committee and Government, collectively facilitated this venture." The establishment of this production line in Wenling, representing the pinnacle of technological standards in the Asia-Pacific region, not only marks a milestone in Valeo's localisation strategy but will also serve as a beacon, propelling a critical upgrade in the capabilities of Taizhou's automotive components industry.
The decision to establish the Asia-Pacific region's first production line in Wenling was no coincidence. Behind this choice lies a 31-year journey of mutual commitment.
‘Looking back to 1994, we planted Valeo's first seed in China here,’ remarked Jean-Luc, Global President of Valeo's Wiper Division. The sprouting of this seed originated from a visionary letter—an entrepreneur from Wenling wrote to Valeo's global CEO, inviting him to explore China's burgeoning automotive market.
For 31 years, Valeo and Wenling have advanced hand in hand. From a handful of initial clients to collaborating with virtually all major Chinese automakers today; from a modest factory to becoming a vital component within Valeo's global vision systems portfolio. This partnership, born of serendipity, has evolved into a manufacturing success story thanks to Wenling's unique industrial advantages and the local government's sincere support.
‘This commitment extends beyond short-term policy incentives,’ remarked Chen Xiaoguang. ‘It stems from trust cultivated through sustained interaction over the years. At every pivotal stage of our development—from establishing joint ventures and pursuing independent operations to the current new factory construction and production line introduction—Valeo has steadfastly chosen to anchor its operations here.’