Cermex, for comprehensive packaging equipment solutions
2012: A major year for Cermex in China
The Beijing plant of Cermex, Sidel’s subsidiary specializing in secondary packaging and palletizing solutions, will deliver its 100th machine assembled in China in early 2012.
Effective in 2008, Cermex decided to set up a local presence in Beijing, near Sidel’s plant, in order to fulfill two goals. First was the objective of participating, under good competitive conditions, in the growth of the Chinese market, by local assembly of a seamless shrink wrapping solution and a layer by layer palletizing unit, adapted to high-speed beverage bottling lines. The second goal was to have an extensive and experienced technical support team based locally in order to serve the Group’s Chinese customers as quickly as possible. Contributing within its field to Sidel’s added value as a reliable and sustainable partner worldwide, Cermex has made customer proximity one of its major strengths. The company now has 75 employees in China. The milestone of 100 machines delivered will be reached in early 2012. Technical support is provided by a full team, composed of Installation Manager, Field Service Engineers and after-sales service expert.
- A year ahead of the business plan
This success confirms the merits of Cermex’s strategy to internationalize its customer service and production, thus better serving the needs of the highest growth markets. The steady growth of orders for the Chinese plant is reflected in sales figures: turnover increased tenfold between 2008 and 2010. The proximity to Sidel’s plant has also enabled the companies to share certain resources and capacities on occasion in order to benefit from maximum flexibility during ramp-up.
- Success breeds new ambitions
The initial decision to produce a full range of solutions (shrink-wrapping, case packing and palletizing) in China means that the Sidel subsidiary can deliver solutions to industrial customers beyond the Group’s core activities. While the immediate growth shows that the Group’s offer is appreciated by traditional customers, further growth opportunities still exist in sectors such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
The next step for Cermex in Asia will be to move from the assembly of machines in line with European standards to the production of a range of machines designed and referenced in Beijing. This idea is taking hold, since the first 100% Chinese machine will be released in 2012 - Year of the Dragon. This favorite astrological sign of the Chinese is considered highly favorable for anyone born that year. That’s undoubtedly a good omen for the success of this project!
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