Swedish bearings manufacturer SKF Group recently signed an agreement to establish its Asia-Pacific automotive headquarters in Anting town, Jiading district, Shanghai, opening a new chapter for the company and accelerating the district's efforts to become a hub for the global automotive industry.

Kerstin Enochsson, president of SKF's automotive division, said at the signing ceremony on April 22 that the company's investment in Shanghai is a long-term strategic decision. It seeks to leverage Jiading's influence as a world-class automotive cluster to build its new headquarters, invest in research and development, and create jobs.

China is not only a vital business market but also a crucial innovation hub for SKF, she added.

In her speech at the ceremony, Gao Xiang, head of Jiading, emphasized Jiading's status as a leading automotive hub in China, with the largest output, top-tier R&D capabilities, and a comprehensive industrial chain. She expressed confidence that SKF's headquarters will empower the transformation and upgrade of Jiading's automotive sector.

Gao also encouraged continued collaboration in automotive R&D innovation, market services, and green initiatives. She invited SKF to lead more projects in Jiading, attract high-quality enterprises, and establish an industrial ecosystem with SKF at its core. Jiading promises to provide excellent services and a conducive business environment for SKF's growth.

Founded in 1907 in Sweden, SKF is a global provider of innovative solutions, including bearings, seals, and condition monitoring.

With a presence in 130 countries, SKF's China headquarters are in Shanghai, which also hosts a global technology center and a Northeast Asia distribution center for the company. The company operates nine production facilities and over 10 regional sales offices across China, serving over 40 industries, including the automotive and wind power sectors.