Oerlikon celebrates 50 years in China at ITMA Asia

In 1964 and 1966, Barmag and Neumag, now business units in the Oerlikon Manmade Fibers segment, supplied the first machine technology to China. 50 years on, the export pioneers are highly respected high-tech manufacturers for China and reliable partners of its textile industry, which has made it to the top of the global manmade fibre industry with technology "Made in Germany".

 

In 1964 and 1966, Barmag and Neumag, now business units in the Oerlikon Manmade Fibers segment, supplied the first machine technology to China. #

Visitors to ITMA Asia + CITME 2014 can celebrate a remarkable anniversary with Oerlikon Manmade Fibers this year: 50 years of partnership with the Chinese textile industry. For half a century now, the company has been supplying manmade fibre spinning mills to the People's Republic.

 

In 1964 and 1966, Barmag and Neumag, now business units in the Oerlikon Manmade Fibers segment, supplied the first machine technology to China. #

The managers of what was then the Remscheid-based Barmer Maschinenfabrik AG in Germany, or "Barmag" for short, laid the foundation back in the 1960s for today's excellent business relationship with the world's biggest producer of polyester and polyamide. Neumag followed shortly afterwards in 1966.

 

In 1964 and 1966, Barmag and Neumag, now business units in the Oerlikon Manmade Fibers segment, supplied the first machine technology to China. #

When China embarked on its policy of reform and opening up in 1978, Barmag was once again one of the first German mechanical engineering companies invited to talks regarding investment in the manmade fibre and textile industry. This is no surprise, for the German company already knew how important the concept of "Guanxi" was in opening doors in China. The first successful steps taken into this huge country many years before provided a good basis for this relationship.

 

In 1964 and 1966, Barmag and Neumag, now business units in the Oerlikon Manmade Fibers segment, supplied the first machine technology to China. #

"Guanxi" still plays a significant role today

A Barmag representative first started to build up the network of personal contacts that is so important. Travelling to China with an industrial delegation for five weeks in 1959, he conducted initial negotiations with official contacts there. These resulted in the first delivery of machinery components to the People's Republic via a local partner in 1964. Just two years later, Neumag also placed its first order.

 

In 1964 and 1966, Barmag and Neumag, now business units in the Oerlikon Manmade Fibers segment, supplied the first machine technology to China. #

The decades that followed tell a fascinating story of a successful partnership and of the breathtaking rise of China's textile industry. The road to success wasn't always smooth, but the patient development of relationships, the far-sightedness of the people involved and the convincing attributes of future-oriented machine technology helped to pave the way. Another important step was the establishment of the Barmag Far East agency in Hong Kong in 1973, along with regular organisation of and participation in symposia, seminars, exhibitions and trade fairs in China.

 

In 1964 and 1966, Barmag and Neumag, now business units in the Oerlikon Manmade Fibers segment, supplied the first machine technology to China. #

Conversely, a number of Chinese delegations were invited to Germany to form their own impression of the latest innovations in Remscheid. These close contacts, including contacts with the Chinese textile ministry, led to the first cooperation agreements with engineering works in Shanghai and Wuxi in 1983.

 

In 1964 and 1966, Barmag and Neumag, now business units in the Oerlikon Manmade Fibers segment, supplied the first machine technology to China. #

 

In 1964 and 1966, Barmag and Neumag, now business units in the Oerlikon Manmade Fibers segment, supplied the first machine technology to China. #