Qmd Factory News

Wärtsilä, China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) inaugurated their new, jointly owned, low-speed marine engine factory QMD in Qingdao, Shandong province. The state-of-the-art QMD factory features a modern welding shop, machine shop, assembly shop, and a testing shop, as well as facilities for heat treatment, blasting and painting. This engine production factory has automated equipment and processes, the flexible use of test beds, and the possibility to test two large engines at full load in parallel.

Wärtsilä, China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) are establishing a joint venture to manufacture large, low-speed marine engines in China. CSIC will hold 50% of the joint venture, Wärtsilä 27% and Mitsubishi 23%. The investment will total around 75 million euros, spread over several years. Production is scheduled to start during the fourth quarter of 2008. The joint venture will be called Qingdao Qiyao Wärtsilä MHI Linshan Marine Diesel Co Ltd (QMD). The start-up of the joint venture is subject to final approvals, which are expected to be received by the end of October 2006. The Chinese shipbuilding industry is growing rapidly and currently requires more engines than can be manufactured locally.