The Switch signs a trailblazing partnership agreement with CSIC/711
On Monday, September 11, The Switch and CSIC/711 entered into a strategic partnership agreement, which is significant, as The Switch is one of the first foreign companies to sign a partnership agreement with a leading Chinese shipbuilding conglomerate. Cooperation with The Switch will help CSIC/711 provide profitable power generation and drive train solutions to its clients, the company said in its press release.
CSIC/711 is the only R&D institute of marine diesel engines in China. It operates under the direct jurisdiction of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC). A leading state-owned enterprise, CSIC is one of China’s largest shipbuilding and ship repair groups. Together the mission of CSIC/711 and The Switch is to advance the Chinese marine industry with electrical drive trains and optimized energy use.
This partnership agreement offers a win-win situation for both parties. The Switch can provide CSIC/711 with advanced marine drive train know-how and technology, a strong track record of references from international markets, as well as access to the worldwide network of shipbuilders and design offices. The agreement is not only on paper, but also plans for training sessions by The Switch have already been set in place.
“We want to show CSIC/711 our commitment to cooperation in practice, not only in words,” states Carlo Cecchi, Director of Business Development, The Switch. “The Switch will support CSIC/711 with a strong technical team and continue building our worldwide service and support network to be close to the shipowner wherever needed. We see that the marine market has interesting potential and want to be a part of that journey with CSIC.”
As part of one of the leading Chinese shipbuilding groups, CSIC/711 can also offer unmatched benefits for The Switch. It provides immediate access to the Chinese marine market, thanks to having strong existing relationships with local shipyards, shipowners and design offices. In addition, CSIC/711 has advanced technical capabilities in marine drives and motor applications and will in turn share this knowledge with The Switch. This combined know-how will be put to use as the two companies start to address together the emerging Chinese market for hybrid and battery solutions.
The future cooperation has been carefully planned. Common activities between The Switch and CSIC/711 start taking place in the fall of 2017. Both partners have the same vision in mind: growing together with marine customers for whom drive train technology is key to success. With the new strategic partnership agreement, this vision is becoming real.
About The Switch
The Switch, a Yaskawa company, is a pioneer in advanced drive train technology. The company has an installed base of over 13 GW of megawatt-class permanent magnet machine and converter packages. The main focus areas are wind, marine and special industrial solutions. The company’s innovative drive trains make an impact on profitable power generation and energy use, with the ultimate goal of lowering the cost of energy and operations. The Switch is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland.