Alstom has inaugurated its largest hydropower industrial site in Tianjin, China in a move that will help the company further tap into China's increasing hydropower needs and grow its hydropower business throughout the region.
The site was officially inaugurated on September 17, 2013 in the presence of Patrick Kron, Chairman and CEO of Alstom, and Jérôme Pécresse, President of Alstom's Renewable Power Sector.
The inauguration of Tianjin's new site marks the completion of an upgrade programme, without interruption of the production. It includes an upgrade of the existing hydropower industrial facility and the construction of a new production area as well as a global technology centre (GTC). Today, the Tianjin site is equipped with first class facilities and covers an overall area of 250,000 square meters, said Alstom. It houses approximately 2000 employees including over 400 engineers. The site required an investment of €100M.
The new site has 19 critical heavy machines including two new and state-of-the-art gantries. It will be able to deliver on an annual basis up to 26 turbine and generator units.
The new global technology centre will address the research and development needs of the Asian market for all types of hydropower equipment. Its major activities include R&D in mechanics, hydraulics and electrical disciplines for hydropower turbines and generators as well as scale model tests of Francis and Kaplan turbines. The new GTC in Tianjin is part of Alstom's global R&D network and closely linked with its European teams notably in Grenoble (France).
“The inauguration of the Tianjin site represents a key milestone for Alstom's development in the country. This world class factory will allow us to accelerate Alstom's contribution to China's sustainable development," said Patrick Kron, Chairman and CEO of Alstom.
“The new site illustrates Alstom's commitment to bring our technology strengths and innovations to local customers. Tianjin site now offers a hydropower full value chain with a complete array of activities. It will play a pivotal role in the future growth of Alstom in China and the Southeast Asia market" added Jérôme Pécresse, President of Alstom's Renewable Power.
