The Economy

Projector Manufacturer Opens New Plant in China

June 17, 2010

Facility will produce digital cinema projectors for 2-D and 3-D movies.

Christie Digital Systems USA announced that it has opened a new manufacturing facility in Shenzhen, China to meet the growing global demand for digital cinema projectors to screen 2-D and 3-D movies.

The facility will significantly expand the companys production capabilities, with the Christie Solaria projectors scheduled to roll off the assembly line in July, the company said. Production will begin with the Christie CP2220 and the Christie CP2210, with the Christie CP2230 to follow.

The Shenzhen plant initially will serve the Asia Pacific market, freeing up capacity at Christies North American plant (in Kitchener, Ontario) to increase supply to the rest of the world, according to the company.

Assembly in China opens up significant new opportunities and shipping flexibility for Christie that will allow us to better serve all our customers around the world, said Ihor Stech, Christie's vice president of operations. It is the ideal location because much of our raw materials come from the Asian region, so we can more efficiently convert them to final product. With the initial projectors feeding the markets in Asia, we will also save on import duties. Meanwhile, we can quickly deploy the projectors to meet demands around the world as needed.

Stech noted that Christie selected Shenzhen because it offers access to a well-educated, skilled labor force. Considered one of the countrys most successful industrial centers, Shenzhens proximity to Hong Kong attracts a multinational staff to serve the global markets. Hong Kong also boasts one of the largest ports in the world, facilitating quick deployment of digital projectors to other regions, Stech added.

The new facility adheres to the same manufacturing principles employed in Christies Kitchener, Ontario, operations, according to the company.

The two facilities are operating closely together under the direction of Christies veteran technical team, with Shenzhen precisely mirroring the world-class manufacturing standards we observe in North America, said Jack Kline, president and COO of Christie Digital Systems USA.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.