Joined by experts and executives from over 400 automobile and tire companies, Patrick De Keyzer, former Senior VP Technology (Steel Cord) of Bekaert, visited Zenith Steel Group (Huai’an) New Material Co., Ltd. on May 27, 2024. “It’s unbelievable. I think it’s going to be the new landmark for steel cord making in the industry,” said Patrick.

With a total investment of over 20 billion yuan, Zenith Huai’an base, launched in September 2021, strives to be the first “lighthouse factory” in the metal deep-processing industry. It will be built into an advanced, intelligent and green steel cord industrial park, with an annual output capacity of 1.3 million tonnes of steel cord and 300,000 tonnes of tire bead wire, as well as annual sales up to 50 billion yuan. Once operational, the Huai’an base will integrate 25,000 production devices, over 300 industrial robots, more than 900 AGVs, and over 3,000 handheld terminals, all connected via a private 5G network, implementing whole-process intelligent manufacturing. “It’s very impressive to see all those robots, AGVs and other smart manufacturing facilities. It’s like a dream coming true,” added Patrick.

Lighthouse factories are known as the world's most leading factories with outstanding intelligent manufacturing capabilities. Bekaert, the global market leader of advanced rubber reinforcement solutions, was the first in the world to develop and produce steel cord, starting in 1952. Patrick came to china in 2000 when he was in charge of operations of steel cord for Bekaert in Asia. He has frequently visited China since then, witnessing the rapid growth of the steel cord market and the robust development of China’s steel cord industry.

“I am often asked why I came to invest in China. One reason is to follow the market and to follow our customers. And another one is the people. You can make use of the huge talent pool of Chinese engineers and scientific people for your organization.” Patrick mentioned that Chinese people are pragmatic and fast in realizing their visions. What’s more, they put a lot of attention on building relations. “Relation is very important. No relation, No business. That’s why more and more Chinese companies start to play a leading role in their fields.” He came to the conclusion that China has become the largest production hub for tires and for steel cord.

Patrick believes that the role of steel cord as a tire reinforcement material is becoming increasingly prominent amid the booming global tire market. The steel cord manufacturing industry is in a period of rapid expansion and transformation, with its future shaped by technological advances, product innovation, management optimization, and a focus on sustainable development. He notes that continuous technological advancement and changing market demands will lead to more breakthroughs in the manufacturing sector, such as quality upgrades, cost control and environmental performance. Chinese companies will play a significant role in achieving these new breakthroughs.

With over 20 years of engagement with Chinese partners, he suggested that Chinese companies should enhance overseas investment and establish joint ventures abroad to boost international competitiveness. He believes that this not only presents an opportunity for long-term stable development but also an effective way to expand into international markets.

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