Shanghai (ZXZC)- On November 9th, FORVIA, the world's 7th-largest automotive technology supplier, marked the official inauguration of the FORVIA Full Automotive Electronics Industry Chain Project, namely, the Faurecia Clarion Electronics Fengcheng Super Factory, in Fengcheng city, Jiangxi province in China.

In recent years, the automotive electronics sector has emerged as a crucial component of the automotive industry, propelled by the rapid development of intelligent and interconnected technologies. In 2017, Faurecia took a strategic leap into the tech realm, establishing Faurecia Coagent Electronics Technology Co., Ltd., in Fengcheng city, achieving a breakthrough in its business strategy.

The pivotal moment arrived in 2021 when Faurecia signed a comprehensive agreement for the Automotive Electronics Full Industry Chain Project with Fengcheng City's authority. Fast forward to 2022, the project broke ground, and now, the Faurecia Clarion Electronics Fengcheng Super Factory started operation, committed to integrating and applying intelligence, digitization, and automation.

Photo credit: FORVIA

Covering 30,000 square meters, with a dedicated workforce of 1,200, the super factory specializes in the production of products in three key areas: display technology, cockpit electronics, and autonomous driving. With an annual production capacity of 2 million units, it aims to meet the needs of both local and global automotive manufacturers.

With expanding operations and resource integration, FORVIA's automotive electronics prowess continues to strengthen. Presently, the FORVIA Automotive Electronics Business Unit, encompassing Faurecia Clarion Electronics and Hella Electronics, boasts 5,000 employees in China, including 1,200 engineers. In 2023, the business unit achieved sales revenue of 9 billion yuan, projecting a sales target of 16 billion yuan by 2028.

According to FORVIA, The Fengcheng factory has become its first carbon-neutral facility in China, achieving "Scope 1" and "Scope 2" emission reduction standards, and earning the prestigious LEED Gold certification.

As the largest global automotive electronics factory in the Faurecia portfolio, the Fengcheng Super Factory stands out as the Faurecia's first facility in China to employ digital twin technology. Prior to construction, a digital factory simulation model was established, simulating the movement of 89 production lines and logistics chains during full operation. This advanced planning ensures real-time analysis, optimization of execution plans, and storage logistics, coupled with EMS energy analysis, further advancing energy efficiency and carbon neutrality goals.

Highlights of the Fengcheng Super Factory are as below:

EMS, Andon system providing visualized data display; photo credit: FORVIA

The factory showcases a myriad of digital tools for intelligent manufacturing, employing real-time data monitoring and optimization for production and storage logistics. Notable features include the Andon system, AGV and intelligent warehouses, and Display automatic lines.

The factory implements intelligent mechanical transport to replace manual labor, reducing labor intensity for employees while enhancing production and operational efficiency.

Through innovative storage design and the collaborative operation of multiple intelligent devices, the factory adopts a secure, accurate, and efficient "goods-to-person" working model, optimizing transportation efficiency.

Real-time monitoring of each production line ensures the production of high-quality products.

Patrick KOLLER, CEO of FORVIA, expressed, "With the proactive support of relevant policies in China, the automotive electronics market is flourishing. In the context of the profound transformation in automotive electrification, autonomous driving, and cockpit electronics, investment and innovation are key to sustained corporate development. The Faurecia Clarion Electronics Fengcheng Super Factory will enhance the group's influence in the Chinese automotive electronics industry, further promoting the development and progress of FORVIA's automotive electronics full industry chain."