From a single part to the body-in-white structure
Ever since cars have existed, we have been developing, producing, and supplying metal parts—and, for the vehicles of today, hybrid structures—for the automotive industry. From a manufacturer of individual parts, we have grown into an internationally recognized development supplier of components and body-in-white structures.
KIRCHHOFF Automotive provides vehicles worldwide with extra stability and safety.
But we also offer our customers much more than that: we make a considerable contribution to the growth of their competitiveness.
The crucial cost and logistical advantages of our streamlined, medium-sized company structure with international presence serves a single purpose: to drive the market success of our customers and safeguard our innovative strength and earning power. This is our pledge worldwide.
27-04-26
20 Years of KIRCHHOFF Automotive Suzhou
Together for the Mobility of Tomorrow: On April 22, 2026, our plant in Suzhou, China, celebrated its 20th anniversary – marking 20 years of dedication to China’s automotive industry, with a clear focus on innovative lightweight technologies.
Together with government representatives, leaders of industry associations, customers from renowned automotive manufacturers, and around 100 employees, we looked back on two decades of successful development and turned our attention to the future.
The event was hosted by Wen Leyendecker, Managing Director China. She emphasized that over the past 20 years, KIRCHHOFF Automotive has evolved from a market newcomer into a key hub of the Group in the Asia‑Pacific region. This success, she noted, is the result of the strong commitment of our employees and the trust of our customers and partners: “In 20 years, we have not only built a modern plant, but also shaped a strong and innovative team.”
Since its founding in 2006, the Suzhou plant – KIRCHHOFF Automotive’s first wholly owned subsidiary and headquarters in China – has experienced rapid growth. Driven by the strong expansion of the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) industry, the plant has become a core supplier to many leading OEMs. The LI Auto “Quality Excellence Award”, in particular, underscores KIRCHHOFF Automotive’s outstanding quality performance.
Yang Jie, Deputy Secretary‑General of the China Auto Lightweight Technology Innovation Strategic Alliance / SAE China, also acknowledged the company’s role: since joining the alliance in 2010, KIRCHHOFF Automotive has brought advanced European technologies to China and established one of its three global R&D centers in Suzhou – a strong example of deeply rooted local innovation expertise.
Looking to the future, Jimmy Gu, Operations Director China, highlighted that the focus will remain on intelligent transformation, lean production, and operational excellence: “Twenty years is a milestone – but also a new starting point. Together with our partners and employees, we will write a new chapter for KIRCHHOFF Automotive.”
The emotional highlight of the anniversary celebration was the symbolic ceremony marking the 20th anniversary, accompanied by a spectacular cold fireworks display.
Going forward, the Suzhou plant remains firmly committed to its mission “Making Mobility Safe”. Through innovations in lightweight materials, low‑carbon manufacturing, and intelligent connectivity, we will shape the next successful 20 years together with China’s automotive industry.
