Morgan Ceramics, a Division of the Morgan Crucible Company plc, has marked its latest business venture in China with a groundbreaking ceremony which heralds the start of construction at its new site in Pulandian in Liaoning province.
1st Brick laying Ceremony
The new purpose built Morgan Ceramics Dalian facility, which will incorporate manufacturing processes for both the technical and thermal sides of the Morgan Ceramics business, is expected to be completed within three years. The ceremony was attended by local dignitaries and VIPs, including directors of the district planning bureau and major contractors as well as other leading businesses from the region, plus members of the Dalian Morgan Refractories management team.
Dr Andy Wynn, project director for Morgan Ceramics Dalian, said: "The groundbreaking ceremony has marked an important milestone for our business in China. Following our investment in the region, this market now accounts for 10 per cent of Morgan Crucibles' total global sales. We have achieved significant growth during the last 20 years and by extending our manufacturing capability and capacity, we can develop and introduce new technologies to ensure this trend continues as we move forward.
"The next few years will be very exciting and our ultimate aim is to supply a range of high technology markets in Asia, including automotive, aerospace, medical, electronics, fire protection, petrochemical, power generation, aluminium and iron & steel. The new site will be central to our focus of providing a range of advanced materials and manufacturing processes for our customers.
"All these industrial sectors are continuing to see rapid changes in technology as they seek improvements in productivity, while pushing the boundaries of product performance. Providing them with the right materials technology solutions will enable them to enhance their competitiveness and achieve their goals."
Morgan Ceramics Dalian was registered in 2011 and is a new wholly owned business for Morgan Ceramics. Key to the company selecting the Pulandian site was the availability of a workforce that is highly skilled in technology and manufacturing alongside the support and assistance received from the local authorities, including the Pulandian Economic Zone and the Municipal Government.
The Pulandian facility will also include a state of the art Research and Development Centre which will serve the whole of Morgan Ceramics' operations in Asia.
Timeline for Morgan Ceramics Dalian facility in Pulandian, Liaoning province, China
Phase one - due for completion mid 2013 - will include:
• A 35,000 tonne per year Refractory Castables facility
• A 10,000 m2 warehouse
• Main administrative office block
• Research and Development Centre
Phase two - due for completion in 2014 - will include the establishment of a range of technical ceramics operations.
Phase three - due for final completion during 2015 - will include the establishment of Superwool facilities and further specialist refractory operations.
About Morgan Technical Ceramics
Morgan Technical Ceramics manufactures components and sub-assemblies using an extensive range of materials, including structural and piezoelectric ceramics, dielectrics, braze alloys, and specialist coatings. It works with manufacturers' design and R&D teams at local, national and international level on projects from concept and feasibility studies through prototype development to full production. The business employs some 2,500 people and has 23 manufacturing sites worldwide across Europe, the US, Mexico, China and Australia.