FUCHS China launches high-performance grease plant

FUCHS Group celebrated a significant milestone on May 16 with the inauguration of its High-Performance Grease Plant (HPGP) in Yingkou, China. The event, attended by more than 300 distinguished guests, including top executives from FUCHS Group, customers, industry associations, and media representatives, marked the official launch of a state-of-the-art facility poised to set new benchmarks in the industry.

The HPGP is a testament to FUCHS Group’s deep commitment to the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets, showcasing advanced technology, automated production methods, and rigorous quality control measures. This new facility aligns with the company’s strategic vision to meet the growing demand for grease products in the region, despite global economic uncertainties.

The plant is capable of producing nearly all soap-based grease products, serving various applications in new energy vehicles, wind power, semiconductors, aerospace, and robotics.

Strategic growth and customisation capabilities

The launch of the HPGP in Yingkou underscores FUCHS Group’s forward-thinking approach to the grease business. Dr. Sebastian Heiner, executive board member and CTO of FUCHS Group, highlighted the plant’s integration of global best practices and local expertise. “As one of FUCHS Group’s HPGPs deployed across Europe, Americas, and Asia, FUCHS China HPGP draws on the construction and operational experience of the previous two HPGPs, and incorporates FUCHS China’s segment expertise, R&D customisation capabilities and agile supply chain, aiming to provide high-quality lubrication solutions for regional customers using globally consistent formulas, raw materials, equipment, and processes,” Heiner said.

Zhu Qingping, CEO of FUCHS China, emphasised the project’s significance in meeting rapidly growing market demand. “FUCHS China HPGP is a response to the rapidly growing market demand. The project has received extensive support from all relevant parties, from planning to construction and successful operation, exemplifying ‘China Speed’. The successful operation reinforces our brand presence and market share in the region and further demonstrates our ability to stand out in the fiercely competitive grease market.”

Advanced technology and sustainable practices

The FUCHS China HPGP employs advanced automation and intelligence systems, including the Siemens MES system from Germany, enhancing production efficiency and ensuring quality consistency. The Siemens MES (Manufacturing Execution System) is an advanced software solution that bridges the gap between enterprise resource planning (ERP) and the shop floor by providing real-time data management and control. It is designed to optimise production processes, enhance efficiency, and ensure high quality in manufacturing operations.

Sustainability is a core pillar of FUCHS Group’s strategy. The HPGP’s infrastructure integrates green electricity from a photovoltaic project, eco-friendly building materials, and energy-efficient devices. The plant aims to achieve ISO 50001 energy management certification and plans to obtain the Green Plant Certificate from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) by 2025.