Table of Contents
Introduction
In March 2013, global automotive supplier Dana Incorporated marked a significant milestone in its China operations with the opening of the Dana Wuxi Technical Center. Located in Jiangsu Province, this state-of-the-art facility represents a 100 million RMB investment and spans 12,000 square meters. The center is a testament to Dana’s long-standing commitment to the Chinese market and the Asia-Pacific region. With advanced capabilities in research, design, and testing, the Dana Wuxi Technical Center is poised to become a key player in developing cutting-edge products for light, commercial, and off-highway vehicles. But what does this mean for the automotive industry, and why should you care? Let’s delve into the five key takeaways from this monumental investment.
1. Dana’s Commitment to Innovation: A Historical Perspective
Dana Incorporated has a rich history of product innovation, which has been a cornerstone of its success. The establishment of the Dana Wuxi Technical Center is a continuation of this legacy, furthering the company’s ability to collaborate with global markets and customers. Dana’s CEO, Roger Wood, emphasized the importance of this new center in enhancing technical collaboration and supporting the company’s global market reach. The Wuxi center is Dana’s 15th advanced engineering facility worldwide, focusing on drivetrain, sealing, and thermal-management products.
This move underscores Dana’s recognition of China’s growing significance in the global automotive market, which the company identified over 20 years ago. By increasing resources in China, Dana aims to better serve its customers in the region, reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry.
2. Strengthening Local R&D: Accelerating Time-to-Market
One of the most significant advantages of the Dana Wuxi Technical Center is its ability to shorten the time-to-market for new products. With over 50 engineers currently employed, and plans to expand to 130 by 2016, the center is well-equipped to handle the demands of the fast-paced automotive industry. The facility includes a 5,800-square-meter testing lab and a 3,200-square-meter manufacturing area, which complements the nearby Dana Wuxi Technologies Co., Ltd., a 17,000-square-meter dedicated manufacturing site.
The center’s new testing laboratory features state-of-the-art equipment for axles, transmissions, materials, NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), prototyping, inspection, and processing. These resources ensure that products designed and manufactured in China meet Dana’s stringent performance and durability standards. Additionally, the off-highway vehicle testing equipment includes axle dynamometers, three-beam fatigue testers, reverse torsional fatigue testers, static torsional strength testers, and a 7.5 kW rotary drill, ensuring comprehensive testing capabilities.
3. Fully Integrated into Dana’s Global R&D Network
The Dana Wuxi Technical Center is not just a standalone facility; it is fully integrated into Dana’s global R&D network. This integration allows the center to support the entire product development cycle, from concept to launch, and to apply innovations developed in other regions to meet the specific needs of the Chinese market. By being part of a global system, the Wuxi center can leverage the latest technologies and methodologies, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of automotive innovation.
This global integration also means that Dana can deliver new products faster and more efficiently, meeting the unique demands of its customers in China and the Asia-Pacific region. This approach aligns with Dana’s broader strategy of localized production and innovation, ensuring that its products are tailored to the needs of each market it serves.
4. Enhancing Customer Commitment in China
Dana’s investment in the Wuxi Technical Center is not just about technology and innovation; it’s also about strengthening its commitment to its customers in China. With 10 facilities and over 8,000 employees across the country, Dana serves more than 100 customers, including major automotive players like Beijing Jeep, BMW, Daimler, Dongfeng, Ford, and Toyota. The new center is a testament to Dana’s dedication to meeting the unique technical and market requirements of its Chinese customers.
George Constand, Dana’s Chief Technology and Quality Officer, highlighted the company’s long-standing reputation for delivering reliable powertrain solutions in China. The Wuxi center further solidifies Dana’s position as a trusted partner for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in the region, ensuring that Dana continues to meet and exceed customer expectations.
5. Continued Growth and Expansion in China
Dana’s expansion in China is not a recent development but a sustained effort over the years. In 2011, Dana increased its stake in Dongfeng Dana Axle Co., Ltd. (DDAC) to 50%, making it Dana’s largest overseas axle manufacturing base. In 2012, at the Bauma China exhibition in Shanghai, Dana launched the Spicer™ brand of off-highway vehicle transmissions and axles, showcasing the value of local design and OEM support. That same year, Dana opened a new aftermarket distribution center in Wuxi, enhancing its product supply capabilities and reducing delivery times, providing additional support to its growing aftermarket customer base.
These strategic moves highlight Dana’s commitment to not only expanding its presence in China but also to continuously improving its ability to serve the market. The Wuxi Technical Center is the latest example of Dana’s dedication to growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction in China.
Conclusion
The Dana Wuxi Technical Center is more than just a new facility; it’s a symbol of Dana’s commitment to innovation, local R&D, and customer satisfaction in China and the Asia-Pacific region. With its advanced capabilities and integration into Dana’s global R&D network, the Wuxi center is poised to play a crucial role in the future of material transport in mining and the broader automotive industry. As Dana continues to grow and expand in China, it remains focused on delivering high-quality, reliable solutions that meet the unique needs of its customers.
