HP plans new factory in southwest China

HP HAS SIGNED UP with Chongquing Municipality to build a PC plant to serve rapidly-growing Chinese computer markets and help boost economic development in Sichuan.

The factory deal follows a joint announcement that HP will locate a Global Call Center in Chongquing and build an information-sharing system with Chongquing's University town.

The 20,000 square metre factory will manufacture both desktop and notebook PCs and is expected open in 2010. Financial terms and expected plant employment were not disclosed.

In a statement, HP quoted Chongquing's mayor Wang Hongju as having said, " Our vision of transforming Chongqing into China's West IT center requires strong participation from the world's most innovative and respected companies."

HP opened its first office in mainland China in 1981 and claims to be the leading foreign PC manufacturer in the country. Its China manufacturing operations are presently centered in the coastal city of Shanghai. µ

L'Inqs
AFP
Nikkei