The catalyst project is a milestone for Johnson Matthey's development in China as we introduce the world's leading manufacturing processes, products and management systems into Zhangjiagang. Due to stricter auto exhaust emission standards, a stronger presence in this field and city means we will be in a great position to help our customers meet the requirements of the National VI Emission Standards for China's auto market and help realise Johnson Matthey’s vision of a cleaner, healthier world.

The auto catalyst project, covering an area of 50,000 square metres, is also an investment encouraged by national policies and in line with the green manufacturing concept proposed by Made in China 2025.

Zhangjiagang has been ranked as one of the best commercial cities on Chinese mainland by Forbes for many consecutive years and its economic strength is highly regarded across China.

Mr. Zhu Lifan, Party Secretary of Zhangjiagang, who attended the cornerstone ceremony, emphasised in his speech that Zhangjiagang is an important industrial centre and shipping hub due to its location along the Yangtze River Economic Belt. He stated that the project would promise a bright future for the expansion of Johnson Matthey, while also increasing the city’s economic status.

JM already has a strong foothold in the city following the completion of our first refining precious metals project here. Yet as a world leading provider of advanced catalyst manufacturing technologies, Mr. Zhu Lifan hopes Johnson Matthey will bring even more quality resources into Zhangjiagang through the new project and introduce the city to more investors, both home and abroad.

The cornerstone ceremony took place at the Yangtze River International Chemical Industrial Park of Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone. It was attended by JM representatives including Philip Blakeman, Asia Regional Managing Director of the Clean Air Sector, and Franck Guo, General Manager of the Clean Air Sector in China.

Franck Guo said: “In five years’ time Zhangjiagang will become Johnson Matthey's biggest manufacturing base in Asia and our business in China will more than double in that time."