Zeiss doubling down on presence in China's regions

Zeiss Group, a German manufacturer of optical systems and optoelectronics, is to expand its presence in the Yangtze River Delta region and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area during China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, according to a senior executive.

Supported by a highly efficient and mature local supply chain, Zeiss, an eight-time participant at the China International Import Expo, has already developed two hubs focused on high-end equipment and eye health in the two regions.

"Beyond expanding localized research and development, and manufacturing for premium products, we will broaden collaboration across the industrial chain to better serve customers in China and overseas," said Martin Fischer, president and CEO of Zeiss China.

The German executive said the company's goal is to better integrate innovation, production and service capabilities, reinforcing its role as both a technological enabler and an industry partner amid China's ongoing industrial upgrading.

In addition to investing in talent recruitment and employee training to support growth over the next five years, Zeiss is building its new China headquarters campus in Shanghai, with a total investment of 600 million yuan ($84 million).

One of the company's largest facilities anywhere in the world, the campus will integrate sales, service, innovation and customer experience functions, underscoring Zeiss' long-term commitment to deepening its footprint in China and advancing localized innovation.

"This alignment gives us confidence in our role as a technological enabler and a locally rooted innovator that will grow alongside key industries in China, particularly in scientific research, medical and biotechnology, new energy and semiconductors," said Fischer, adding that China's leadership in artificial intelligence and manufacturing excellence make it an ideal environment for joint digital innovation and supply chain reliability.

In recent times, China has become the primary production site for Zeiss' entry- to mid-level microscopes, which are exported globally.

"Thanks to strong local supply chains, we are foreseeing rising export volumes from our Chinese bases in the future," he added.

Despite mounting global economic headwinds and uncertainties over the international trade situation, foreign direct investment in China rose 11.2 percent compared to a year earlier in September alone.