Stahl opens new China Technical Centre with grand celebration

On 20 January 2024, Stahl celebrated a major milestone with the official opening of its new China Technical Centre, located in Foshan City, Guangdong Province. The Stahl China Technical Centre is one of Stahl’s most advanced technological centres, boasting world-class machinery, extensive industry experience and comprehensive technical support for Chinese customers.

Maarten Heijbroek, CEO of Stahl, was present to inaugurate the new centre. The official opening also coincided with the Stahl China annual meeting, which was marked with festivities in Suzhou.

Marking the year just ended, and the year to come

The opening day began with the Stahl China annual meeting – an opportunity for Stahl’s leadership team, customers, business partners and colleagues to celebrate Stahl's achievements. In a first for the division, Maarten Heijbroek was welcomed to the meeting for the first time since becoming CEO of Stahl Group.

Hagen Chen, Managing Director of Stahl Greater China & East Asia, thanked all colleagues and partners for their excellent contribution during the challenging market environment in 2023. Chen was optimistic that Stahl China will accelerate its growth as it pursues new business opportunities in packaging coatings and industrial coatings.

The meeting culminated in the presentation of the Long Service Award, expressing the company's gratitude towards its dedicated employees.

A celebratory mood for the new centre

The focus then turned to the grand opening of the new China Technical Centre. Multi-talented Stahl colleagues opened the festivities with traditional lion and dragon dances, winning thunderous applause from the audience.

Speeches followed from Stahl’s leadership. Xavier Rafols, Group Director Leather, explained how the new China Technical Centre will enable Stahl to offer more technical services to the market. He reaffirmed the company's commitment to the Chinese leather industry and to providing excellent service to its customers.

Picturing progress in the Year of the Dragon

Maarten Heijbroek added in closing that China is an essential focus with Stahl's growth strategy. Expressing his confidence in the market, he pledged to continue to invest in China. He thanked the Chinese team for their outstanding performance during a period of intense transformation and diversification at Stahl.

He concluded by wishing all Stahl colleagues, customers, business partners and their families a Happy Chinese New Year. And with China's auspicious Year of the Dragon just around the corner, it promises to be a year of good fortune and good health for all!