“Our combine harvesters are made in China, but more importantly, they’re made by CLAAS.”
Dr Chen, you studied in Germany where you received your first degree and doctorate. What insights did you gain from your studies that you were able to apply to the factory in Gaomi?
I studied electrical engineering, and I also wrote my PhD thesis on this subject. During this time I acquired a love for detail and structures. At the same time, I learned to deal with problems systematically and not to lose sight of the bigger picture. The “two-tone” approach has stayed with me throughout my career. In Gaomi too, I place great emphasis on working like this. Our customers demand the highest standards from us. And since we’re in China, we often have to even exceed these standards to convince them of our worth.
Dr Xi Chen
was born in Wuhan. At the age of 20, he came to Germany to study. After completing his doctorate in electrical engineering, he worked for many years in the German automotive industry. He was appointed General Manager of the CLAAS factory in Gaomi in 2020.
How many machines does the Gaomi factory produce annually?
We currently manufacture around 700 machines a year, mainly combine harvesters. Our models include the H80, D370 and D260. The H80 accounts for the lion’s share of production and is mainly for the Chinese market. The other models are also exported to Uzbekistan, Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Africa. We also supply components to other production plants through CLAAS Industrietechnik. We’re currently working on a third area, but that’s still confidential.
What can other CLAAS production plants learn from Gaomi?
In my view, what sets many Chinese people apart is our flexibility. We’re always willing to learn something new and to adapt. For example, at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic our training academy team responded extremely quickly right in the middle of a nation-wide lockdown. Within just three days, the colleagues at the academy were able to offer the entire seminar program online. This enabled us to train employees and dealers who were working from home during the lockdown.
Which developments in recent years are you particularly proud of?
I have only been the General Manager for a year and a half. But I’m very satisfied with how we’ve developed our products. In 2014 CLAAS entered into a joint venture in Gaomi. At the time, the plan was to manufacture mass-produced products for the Chinese market in collaboration with a Chinese affiliate. In recent years we’ve moved away from the initial idea and now produce CLAAS machines and components in China. Colleagues in Harsewinkel recently told me that the parts we supply are better than those of many German suppliers. That made me very proud.
In your view, what lies ahead for the Gaomi factory?
Our factory will be integrated even more closely into the company’s overall production network. I think this is crucial. Combine harvesters and components are made in China, but more importantly, they’re made by CLAAS. I’m certain that that will become clear to every customer within a few years.
