ebm‑papst opens expanded plant in Xi’an as part of China growth strategy

ebm‑papst has officially opened its expanded manufacturing plant in Xi’an, China, marking a key milestone in the group’s “Local for Local” strategy. The facility, first launched in 2019, now spans 60,000 m² and will create around 500 new jobs, bringing total employment at the site to approximately 1,000. The latest expansion phase involved an investment of about €30 million (approx. USD 31.8 million).

The plant integrates production, logistics, R&D, quality assurance, and procurement under one roof to meet regional demand more efficiently. It manufactures energy-efficient fan solutions for sectors such as data centers and cleanrooms.

ebm‑papst emphasized the strategic role of the Chinese market in its global operations. “The Chinese market has always been of great importance to ebm‑papst, and we already have a localization rate of around 90 percent in China,” said Dr. Klaus Geißdörfer, CEO of the ebm‑papst Group.

The Xi’an site also hosts a comprehensive R&D lab focused on product reliability and adaptability. According to Thomas Nürnberger, CSO of the ebm‑papst Group and CEO Air Technology APAC & MEA, “Xi'an in particular strengthens our innovative power... Close cooperation with local universities also creates a strong basis for pioneering technologies and the promotion of young talent.”

The facility features several sustainable construction elements including energy-efficient glazing, LED lighting, a geothermal heat pump, and a large-scale photovoltaic system. It was certified as a National Green Factory by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in January 2025.

ebm‑papst has operated in China since 1996 and now employs around 1,700 people across multiple locations including Shanghai, Qingdao, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. In fiscal year 2024/2025, the company recorded sales of approximately €360 million (approx. USD 382 million) in China.