From April 28 to 29, the German Chamber Industry Days 2026 took place in Xi’an under the theme “Automation and Mobility,” jointly organized by the German Chamber of Commerce in China and the German Embassy in Beijing. As a key stop on the industrial visit program, the ebm‑papst Xi’an plant welcomed the Sino-German delegation for the second consecutive year, continuing to serve as an important platform for industrial exchange and collaboration between Germany and China.
During the event, Thomas Nuernberger, Chief Sales Officer of the ebm‑papst Group and CEO Air Technology APAC & MEA, delivered a keynote speech outlining the company’s global strategy and localization approach. He highlighted ebm‑papst’s long-term commitment to its “local for local” strategy, and how strengthening local R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain capabilities enables closer customer proximity while enhancing global coordination and responsiveness.
During the visit, the delegation gained insights into the Xi’an plant’s comprehensive manufacturing capabilities following the completion of its third-phase expansion. Through continuous local investment and ongoing optimization of its production systems, the plant has further enhanced its flexibility, operational efficiency, and supply responsiveness. This enables ebm‑papst to better support customer needs across key application areas such as data centers, cleanrooms, and industrial ventilation, while reinforcing the plant’s strategic role within the Group’s global manufacturing network.
As part of the factory tour, ebm‑papst presented its long-term philosophy of “quality for growth” and introduced its “10 Ways to Win” quality principles. Covering customer relationship management, product lifecycle management, and supply chain collaboration, this framework demonstrates how the company balances global standards with local execution, ensuring reliable and efficient solutions for customers while supporting higher operational efficiency and sustainability across industries.
“As industries worldwide accelerate toward automation and intelligent manufacturing, competitiveness is increasingly defined by the combination of efficiency, quality, and localization,” said Thomas Nuernberger. “By continuously strengthening our R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain footprint in China, we aim not only to stay close to the market, but also to position China as a key hub connecting global innovation with local application.”
A roundtable discussion with the German Embassy provided an opportunity for German companies to exchange views on current opportunities and challenges of doing business in Xi’an. The focused dialogue highlighted the importance of close interaction and experience sharing in navigating an evolving market environment.
During the event, Thomas Nuernberger was appointed Northwest China Advisor of the German Chamber of Commerce in North China, recognizing his long-standing contribution to fostering industrial exchange and regional collaboration between Germany and China.