Westport plans big investment in China facility

Westport Fuel Systems Inc., a global supplier of low-emissions alternative fuel transportation technologies, has announced plans to expand its global manufacturing footprint in China in support of future growth of Westport’s hydrogen componentry business and other alternative fuel system technologies.

Deputy Mayor of Changzhou, Huan Heng (left) and Westport Senior Buyer Luca Vecchier at the signing of the agreement through which Westport will invest $10 million for a manufacturing expansion in Changzhou’s Hydrogen Valley. (Photo: Qianhui Xu)

Westport said it is focusing on China for this manufacturing expansion as China leads the world in hydrogen investment and infrastructure development. The investment agreement provides for the city of Changzhou to build the new hydrogen innovation center and manufacturing facility in the Changzhou Hydrogen Valley.

“Westport’s GFI-branded hydrogen fuel system components have had a strong presence in the Chinese marketplace for over 10 years, these components support both fuel cell and internal combustion engine applications that use hydrogen fuel,” said David M. Johnson, chief executive officer of Westport Fuel Systems. “The city of Changzhou is dedicated to becoming the capital of new energy industries, making them an ideal partner for growth and providing the opportunity to establish manufacturing excellence on a regional basis, which in turn supports our global customers accelerating hydrogen as a prevailing low-emission transportation solution.”

Under the terms of the investment agreement, Westport and Changzhou will design and construct an ultra-modern manufacturing facility for hydrogen fuel systems, and office space specifically to meet Westport’s advanced manufacturing requirements. The Changzhou site is expected to also include a contemporary innovation center that will provide continued focus on hydrogen solutions in support of Westport’s mission to develop innovative, specialized and market-ready emission-reduction solutions. Westport’s plan to invest up to $10 million over the next ten years is intended to enable production of established hydrogen componentry to support the fast-growing hydrogen-fueled vehicles targeted to be on the road in China.

“We are excited to be partnering with Westport to develop a state-of-the-art hydrogen innovation center and manufacturing facility,” said Huan Heng, deputy mayor of Changzhou. “Changzhou Hydrogen Valley is an important hub in advancing hydrogen-fueled vehicles for China and the world at large. We are pleased to partner and support Westport, a global leader in hydrogen and alternative-fuel solutions, in joining our growing community of innovative technology companies, and we look forward to our shared future growth.”

The new Westport facility is planned to be in operation in 2024 supporting Westport’s current and growing customer base with key hydrogen components for a variety of applications including commercial vehicles, buses, high-speed trains, material handling, stationary power generation and more. Westport’s investment in Changzhou is a steppingstone to continued hydrogen technology advancement around the world.