Federal-Mogul Corporation (USA; NASDAQ: FDML; 5251R9N7) has opened its new Asia Pacific Headquarters and Technical Center in Shanghai, China.

F-M said the greenfield facility, covering 9,000 square meters and already home to more than 300 employees, will be the center of its Asia-Pacific effort, primarily targeting the fast-growing auto manufacturing industry in China. Although the company has had a presence in Shanghai for many years, this marks a significant commitment to its presence in China and focus in the Chinese OEM auto industry.

The facility will serve as the center for engineering, sales, purchasing, and general administration. Equipment includes dynamometers, vehicle and braking test cells, and the variety of lab equipment needed to operate as a standalone R&D facility.

Jose Maria Alapont, F-M's President and CEO, said: "China is and will continue to be a strategic market for the automotive industry and for Federal-Mogul. Our new Asia-Pacific Headquarters and Technical Center will enable us to increase technical support to powertrain and vehicle customers, offering on-site advanced technology development and product engineering, in addition to state-of-the-art testing. Federal-Mogul's significant investment in this region will ensure we grow our capability to provide leading technology and innovation for local and export markets."

F-M already has seven manufacturing operations in China: two in Shanghai, two in Qingdao; one in Anqing, one in Nanchang, and two in Wuhan. Combined, they employ more than 2,000 people and produce every major product line in the Federal-Mogul OEM parts portfolio. Engine bearings are manufactured in Shanghai.