The two companies will now be "operating under the same roof." Schindler invested US$11 million in building their new factory and importing equipment.

Datwyler, which has rented about 60 per cent of the building and have contributed US$2.7 million worth of advanced equipment, will co-produce electronic controllers - the brains behind all elevators and escalators.

Two foreign giants working together under one roof is not often seen at present in China. However, it is a very efficient arrangement. It means that the two companies do not have the bother and expense of communicating and supplying each other over a long distance.

"The factory represents our commitment to the Asia Pacific area in general and to China in particular," said Jurgen Tinggren, president of Schindler Asia-Pacific.

He said the newly built complex is the third one that Schindler have established away from home, but it is the only one in Asia, which shows that the company is confident that it can succeed in China.

"The co-operation with Datwyler will help us to serve our customers in China with the most advanced technology and the best products," he said.

Suzhou Mayor Chen Deming said that the two companies' partnership will bring more commercial opportunities to the city as it undertakes large scale construction work.

Schindler entered China in 1980, when it set up its first joint venture in Beijing. With 20 years experience in China, it is looking forward to better and wider prospects.

Hans Ulrich Datwyler, president of Datwyler China, hopes that the partnership will soon bear fruit.

(China Daily)