Fischer’s activities in China are increasing significantly since the country was hit by the coronavirus and subsequent lockdown.
Fischer has been active in China for over 20 years and it is an important market for the firm. For three weeks, fischer fastening systems and fischer automotive production locations have been partially back in use.
“The number of pieces for individual projects in our automotive supply has increased significantly,” said Andreas Giesinger, Managing Director of fischer automotive and fischer fastening systems in China. “This shows that people in China are buying cars again and visiting car dealerships like before the corona pandemic.”
In April, the company’s sales figures for fastening systems in China were significantly higher than planned (compared like-for-like with 2019). Business at fischer automotive also picked up significantly compared to February and March, with automotive manufacturers restarting production in the country in the last two months.
Chemical products and steel products, but also installation systems (SaMontec) are particularly in demand at fischer fastening systems. Demand for this and other product groups rose significantly across the country. Only in and around Beijing are economic activities still subdued.
On 10 February, after the temporary closure due to the corona pandemic, fischer started its production facilities for fischer fastening systems and fischer automotive in Taicang near Shanghai. The activities were initially reserved, making use of activities including extensive online training with customers.
Infrastructure projects under construction nationwide are now open again. Here, fischer is active in numerous key projects, such as the construction of the China-Laos railway, one of China’s New Silk Road projects. Around 10,000 fischer injection mortar (FIS-HB) and more than 100,000 fischer anchor rods (FHB-A N-rod) will be installed for the new connection from southern China to Laos in order to secure the electrical overhead line.
China Managing Director Andreas Giesinger sees the rapid return to normality as positive, but is also cautious: “It is good for our activities that shops reopen, work on construction sites and cars are sold. However, it is also checked very carefully that all requirements are met.”
Fischer said there was no infection in any of its Chinese companies. In addition to the locations of fischer fastening systems and fischer automotive in Taicang, the company, with the consulting company fischer Consulting and a purchasing company, is also located directly in Shanghai.