Editor's note:

The first China International Import Expo will kick off in Shanghai on Nov. 5. It is not just another expo in an ordinary sense, but a major policy initiative and commitment taken of our own accord to open up the Chinese market.

Reform and opening-up policies have pushed China to become a “world factory”, and “Made in China” has greatly benefited consumers around the world. The Chinese market has created a huge space for global economic development and provided a strong impetus for world economic growth.

This unusual expo has also attracted unusual exhibitors. As of now, over 1,300 companies have signed contracts, among which there are a bevy of Fortune Global 500 companies and frontrunners from various industries. These companies will present the world’s cutting-edge innovative technologies and quality brand products to Chinese consumers. The program, CIIE Now · Dialogue with Executives, hopes to glimpse expo highlights through the conversations with executives from these exhibitors.

Today’s guest:

Alexander Hafla, Director of Research and Development, TRUMPF (China) Co., ltd

Personalized R&D spurs development of local machine tool industry

Founded in 1923, TRUMPF from Germany is a leading enterprise in the global manufacturing technology field, as well as a global technology and market leader in the industrial laser and laser system fields.

Q: What new technologies and products will TRUMPF unveil at the first China International Import Expo?

A: We are a family-run company born in Southern Germany. Our products mainly include metal plates, punching machines, and 3D lasers, while we operate around Europe, America, Italy, Switzerland, and other countries and regions. In China, we also established R&D centers and manufacturing bases. We are very pleased to show our most advanced technologies at the expo to Chinese consumers.

This time we will bring two frontier technologies. The first one is Smart Factory, which takes advantage of the network to make production more transparent. The second one is a 3D printer in the manufacturing technology field.

We believe the expo will be of great help in enhancing the brand awareness of TRUMPF in China and improve our market competitiveness.

Q: What is the investment plan for TRUMPF in China?

A: In the near future, machine tools will grow more customized, automated, and efficient. We are bullish about the prospects of China’s economic development and assuredly the metal plate industry. We are especially optimistic about the high-end metal plate business. Hence, we would like to increase investments in China to introduce the latest technology in the German machine tool industry to China and grow with local machine tool companies.

We held an internal exhibition earlier in Taicang, Jiangsu Province, which ushered in over 1,000 clients. In the meantime, we also held a foundation laying ceremony for the Phase III plant. The new plant covers an area of 40,000 square meters. We believe TRUMPF will do better in China.

Q: Can you share some good experiences of TRUMPF in cultivating local talents?

A: For one, we lay emphasis on cultivating workers; for another, we team up with local universities and higher education institutions, jointly carry on research and development, and introduce top talents. The products and technologies we are going to display at the first China International Import Expo also represent the efforts and contributions of Chinese talents.