Great Wall Motors opens new Tianjin production base
Great Wall Motors (GWM) will commence operations at its new Tianjin production facility in March. The base is set to boost the company's manufacturing capacity and support its expansion in both domestic and international markets.
Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors (GWM) is set to bring its new Tianjin production base online in March. The facility is expected to begin mass production of the new HAVAL H6 model in April.
The first phase of the Tianjin base is nearing completion and is scheduled for operational use starting this month. Production lines are installed and undergoing final commissioning. New models, including the HAVAL H6 and VOLEEX C50, will be manufactured at the site.
The Tianjin facility incorporates advanced technologies and automation. Its stamping workshop features automated production lines from ABB, while the welding workshop utilizes robotic systems. The painting workshop is equipped with spraying systems from YASKAWA (Japan) and SAMES (France), and the assembly workshop employs an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system.
Construction on the second phase of the Tianjin base is underway, covering an area of 429,200 square meters. This phase will add a capacity of 250,000 sedans and SUVs annually and is expected to be operational by the end of 2012.
The third phase, spanning approximately 1,078,000 square meters, is planned to commence in 2013 and be completed by 2015. Upon full completion, the Tianjin base's total production capacity is projected at 800,000 vehicles per year, representing 40% of GWM's overall output. This will include three high-end SUV models and five premium sedan models, establishing the base as a significant export logistics hub.
GWM has outlined goals to release a total of 13 new and updated models in 2011, including several new vehicles within its HAVAL and VOLEEX lineups. The company is forecasting sales of 550,000 to 600,000 vehicles for the year.