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Benteler, Shanghai Huizhong deepen strategic partnership amid industry transformation. Monika From Gasgoo | May 21, 2026 15:26 BJT Gasgoo Munich- On May 18, Benteler and Shanghai Huizhong signed a memorandum of understanding at Benteler's Asia-Pacific headquarters in Shanghai to further expand their long-standing strategic partnership. Image source: Benteler The agreement builds on more than two decades of cooperation between the two companies and comes as China's automotive industry undergoes rapid technological transformation, accelerated electrification, and increasing global expansion. Both parties said they aim to strengthen the competitiveness of their joint venture through deeper resource integration and closer technological collaboration. The origins of the partnership date back to the early 2000s, when China's automotive market was entering a period of rapid growth while Benteler was accelerating its global expansion strategy. Mr. Hubertus Benteler personally traveled to China to participate in the project planning, negotiations, and preparation work for the joint venture. The two sides formally signed their joint-venture agreement in 2001, followed by the establishment of Shanghai Benteler Huizhong Automotive Parts Co., Ltd. in January 2002. As Benteler's first manufacturing operation in the Asia-Pacific region, the joint venture played a central role in the company's regional expansion strategy. Benteler contributed advanced European engineering and manufacturing expertise, while Shanghai Huizhong leveraged its domestic supply-chain and market resources to support customers including and other automotive manufacturers. Over the past 25 years, the company has expanded its product portfolio from chassis components to hot-formed body structures and lightweight solutions for electric vehicles, while continuously upgrading its manufacturing capabilities. The venture not only laid the foundation for Benteler's long-term development in Asia-Pacific, but also became one of the company's earliest and most influential joint-venture models in China. Image source: Benteler In 2017, the companies established the Wuhan branch of Benteler Huizhong, further expanding operations into central China. The facility later produced Benteler Asia-Pacific's first aluminum subframe, marking another milestone in the partnership's technology development efforts. The companies said the decision to deepen cooperation reflects broader shifts reshaping China's automotive market, including the rising market share of domestic brands, rapid advances in electrification and intelligent vehicle technologies, and the growing international expansion of Chinese automakers and suppliers. Against this backdrop, Benteler and Shanghai Huizhong believe stronger collaboration and complementary resource sharing will help reinforce the joint venture's long-term competitiveness. Looking ahead, the two companies plan to further optimize manufacturing resource allocation, strengthen value-chain coordination, and improve operational efficiency while continuing to invest in product innovation and advanced automotive technologies. In addition to expanding their presence within China, Benteler and Shanghai Huizhong said they intend to accelerate overseas market development by leveraging Benteler's established global business network, supporting broader international growth ambitions for the joint venture. Gasgoo not only offers timely news and profound insight about China auto industry, but also help with business connection and expansion for suppliers and purchasers via multiple channels and methods. Buyer service: [email protected] Seller Service: [email protected]

BENTELER and SMS group successfully upgrade stretch-reducing mill with next-generation CARTA(R) neo SRM automation system.

Horizon Industrial Parks strengthens partnership with BENTELER Automotive through manufacturing facility. The newly leased facility will support BENTELER's in-house production of tubes for torsion beams, a capability previously dependent entirely on imports. Horizon Industrial Parks announced the expansion of its collaboration with BENTELER Automotive India, with the global automotive components manufacturer leasing a new ~1.36 lakh sq. ft. manufacturing facility at Horizon Industrial Park Chakan II. This addition builds upon BENTELER's existing ~1.28 lakh sq. ft. facility, operational since October 2021, further solidifying Horizon's position as a trusted infrastructure partner for advanced manufacturing companies. The newly leased facility will support BENTELER's in-house production of tubes for torsion beams, a capability previously dependent entirely on imports. These tubes will then undergo further processing at BENTELER's current plant within the park to manufacture rear axle beams. The new operations will enhance localisation, reduce import reliance, and improve supply-chain agility for BENTELER. A Testament to Horizon's Quality, Agility and Customer-Centricity BENTELER's decision to expand within Horizon Industrial Park Chakan II reflects the strong relationship built over years of consistent delivery, robust infrastructure, and responsive support. Horizon has previously delivered BENTELER's built-to-suit facility with high-performance features including energy-efficient materials, insulated roofing and walls, overhead crane readiness, and provisions for solar power, creating a resilient and scalable base for automotive component manufacturing. Urvish Rambhia, CEO, Horizon Industrial Parks said, "Horizon Industrial Park, Chakan II, an IGBC Platinum Certified asset, is strategically located in Chakan's MIDC Phase 2 with future-ready infrastructure. The strategic location of the park within a major automobile and manufacturing hub, along with its with efficient layouts, renewable energy integration and high safety standards, make it an excellent base for businesses expanding in this region". BENTELER Automotive India has acknowledged Horizon's commitment to delivering future-ready, sustainable industrial ecosystems supported by high-quality project execution. For the new facility, Horizon has supported BENTELER with tenant-specific infrastructure improvements, including customised loading/unloading docks to ease inventory movement and logistics. This collaborative approach underlines the strength of the partnership. "Horizon Industrial Park Chakan II has provided an environment that aligns with our values of safety, sustainability and operational excellence. The team's proactive approach and timely responsiveness have played a major role in our decision to expand within the park. We value this partnership and look forward to continued collaboration with Horizon." said Mukund Gangane, MD, BENTELER Automotive India.