thyssenkrupp is an international industrial and technology company employing around 100,000 people. Across 48 countries it generated sales of €38 billion in fiscal 2022/2023. Since October 1, 2023, the business activities have been bundled into five segments: Automotive Technology, Decarbon Technologies, Materials Services, Steel Europe and Marine Systems. Backed by extensive technological know-how, the businesses develop cost-effective and resource-friendly solutions to the challenges of the future. Around 4,000 employees work in research and development at 75 locations all over the world, mainly in the fields of climate protection, the energy transition, digital transformation in the industry and mobility of the future. The partnership between thyssenkrupp and China traces back to the 19th century when Alfred Krupp met the first delegation from China on 27 July 1866. Today, China is one of thyssenkrupp's most important overseas markets. In fiscal 2022/2023, the sales of thyssenkrupp China reaches to nearly 2 billion euros and the company has more than 20 operating companies in the region.
The relationship between thyssenkrupp and China dates back to 1866 when Alfred Krupp met the first delegation from China. The delegation visited Krupp's cast steel factory in Germany. Over four years later, cooperation started with the first delivery of cannons and railroad tracks.
In 1896, Viceroy Li Hongzhang visited Krupp’s cast steel plant in Essen and Meppen testing ground. Years later, Li expresses his appreciation in his memoirs: "Officially I am the guest of the German nation, but personally I am the guest of Mr. Krupp."
Relations pick up again in 1934. Krupp received an order to supply ten superheated steam locomotives for the Tung-Pu Railway and delivered in 1935.
Krupp got certificate of trademark in China in 1939, and Krupp’s Agency Carlowitz & Co. was established in Shanghai in 1940.
A first Krupp delegation traveled to Beijing in 1955, and a year later, Krupp began to supply steel to China. In 1967, four heavy Henschel Diesel locomotives were delivered to China.
In April 1973, a German economic delegation traveled to China. Together with representatives of Chinese government and business, it discussed the ways to intensify business relations between Germany and China. German delegation was headed by Prof. Dr. Berthold Beitz, the then Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Fried. Krupp GmbH.
thyssenkrupp started slewing bearing production in 2003 in Xuzhou. Now it has two production sites: Xuzhou Rothe Erde Slewing Bearing Co., Ltd. and thyssenkrupp rothe erde (Xuzhou) Ring Mill Co., Ltd.
th the first journey by then Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji and then German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, the “Shanghai Transrapid” went into operation. It links Pudong airport with Shanghai and begins permanent operation in 2004. It reaches an operating speed of 430 kilometers per hour. Instead of the 45 minutes required by bus or taxi for the 30-kilometer journey, the Transrapid brings its passengers to their destination in just eight minutes.
thyssenkrupp started crankshaft production in its plant of thyssenkrupp Engine Components in China in 2012. Now, it ...
In 2014, thyssenkrupp participated in the meeting of German-Chinese Council of Economic Advisers with President Xi Jinping during his visit to Düsseldorf. The relation with China was further tightened over the past years.
In December 2016, thyssenkrupp invested in the construction of one of the world's largest automotive steering system production sites in Changzhou, with an investment of 200 million euros.
thyssenkrupp opened a 2,000 square meter tech-center for powertrain technology in Dalian, China. It concentrates on engine component development and prototyping activities. The investment volume is around ten million euros.
thyssenkrupp rothe erde increased investment by 30 million USD in thyssenkrupp rothe erde (Xuzhou) Ring Mill Co., Ltd. to further expand its presence in the Chinese wind power market.
