RAPA expands production in China: Plant II opens in Jintan
RAPA officially opened its second plant in Jintan, Changzhou, in China’s Jiangsu Province on September 2, 2026. Together, the two plants at the Jintan site comprise around 27,000 square meters of total space.
MPE Production Begins in China
Production at the new plant has already begun. The plant manufactures the Motor-Pump-Unit (MPU) for the Chinese automaker SERES.
By establishing local production, RAPA is bringing one of its key automotive products to China. The electrohydraulic Motor-Pump-Unit is a key component for active suspension systems. It enables highly dynamic suspension control and helps compensate for roll, pitch and heave movements of the vehicle. Local production brings RAPA closer to its customers and creates a strong foundation for further projects in the Chinese market.
China as a Key Market
China is one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive automotive markets. Chinese automakers are also becoming increasingly important on the international stage. For RAPA, having a local presence is therefore an important part of its international strategy and enables close collaboration with customers and partners in the Chinese market.
“The Chinese automotive market is developing at an enormous pace and has long since begun to influence global competition. For us, one thing is clear: We do not want to observe this development from a distance – we want to be part of it on the ground.”
Dr. Roman Pausch, CEO of RAPA SE
RAPA has been represented by a sales office in Shanghai since 2020 and has been manufacturing at its Jintan facility since 2024. Since the opening of its first plant, the location has developed dynamically. Today, RAPA employs 315 people in China. With the opening of its second plant, the company is continuing on this growth path.
Grand Opening with International Guests
The official opening was attended by numerous guests from politics, business and academia, as well as customers and partners.
Guests of honor included Dr. Hans Peter Friedrich, former Vice President of the German Bundestag, Chairman of the German Eastern Economic International Cooperation Committee and founder of the China-Brücke Association, who joined the event via video link; Michael Schumann, Chairman of the Board of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade and Chairman of the China-Brücke Association; Gu Wanfeng, Executive Deputy Minister of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee and Executive Vice President of the Jiangsu Overseas Friendship Association; Yu Ting, Deputy Secretary-General of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the CPPCC and Full-time Deputy Chairperson of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy; Zhou Wei, Mayor of the Changzhou Municipal People’s Government; and Fan Ye, District Mayor of the Jintan District People’s Government.
Representatives from the Chinese automaker SERES also attended the opening.
Following speeches by Dr. Roman Pausch and other guests, the new plant was officially opened during a ceremony. During a subsequent tour, the guests were given a glimpse into the facility and the new production operations.
