Agilent Launches China Holding Company
New company consolidates entities, helps expand Agilent's presence in China
Palo Alto, CA -- Agilent Technologies today announced the formation of Agilent Technologies China Holding Co. Ltd., based in Shanghai, to consolidate its entities in China. With the launch of the new company, Agilent expects to expand its presence in this region, as well as accelerate business growth.
According to Agilent chairman, president, and CEO Ned Barnholt, China represents a significant opportunity for Agilent. "With its rapidly growing economy, China is Agilent's second biggest market," Barnholt said. "Through the formation of the new holding company, we are combining our different entities there to enhance our presence and achieve operational efficiency. We are also building a platform for further investment in China."
"Our presence in China dates back many years," Barnholt added. "Our first joint venture, in fact, was established 20 years ago when our company was part of Hewlett-Packard. Today, Agilent is involved in many activities in our China sites, ranging from R&D to manufacturing, sales and support."
Wayne Chan, president of Agilent Greater China, will oversee the operation and development of the holding company. "Today's announcement is another big step in Agilent's long-term plans for China," Chan stated. "We expect to become more involved in a range of new activities that may include strategic investments and participation in joint ventures. Our ultimate goal is to position Agilent as the most innovative high-growth, high-tech company in the region."
Agilent's businesses in China employ 1,100 people and are centered in Beijing and Shanghai, with other offices located throughout the country. Among its facilities in Shanghai are Agilent Technologies (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., which focuses on R&D, marketing and manufacturing services for the company's Life Sciences and Chemical Analysis business, and a Software Application Center for Agilent's Automated Test Group, which develops software for the semiconductor manufacturing and test industries. Other Shanghai operations include the Agilent Shanghai Trading Co., which opened in 2004 for outsourcing the company's semiconductor products to contract manufacturers in China, as well as providing design and application support to its semiconductor customers, and an Agilent Technologies Co. Ltd. Shanghai branch office.
In Beijing, Agilent Technologies Co., Ltd. is chartered with product marketing, sales and technical support. With headquarters in Beijing, the business has branch offices in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an and Shenyang. Agilent Technologies Software Co. Ltd., including a division of Agilent Labs, opened in Beijing in 2000 to support the company's research efforts in China. Work there is focused on R&D, as well as product development, and serving China's growing wireline and wireless communications industries.
Source: Agilent Technologies