Perkins ahead in China

Perkins' new US$ 183 million production facility in Wuxi, China will begin to manufacture engines from June this year, three months ahead of schedule.

The company will manufacture its Tier 2 and Tier 3 compliant 4.4 litre 1104 and 1104D engines at the facility with production of its 7 litre Tier 3 compliant 1106 due to begin in 2011.

At the Bauma exhibition Perkins spokesman Allister Dennis told iC, "In excess of 50% of the global engine market is in territories that don't yet require Tier 4 compliant engines. There is a huge growth in demand throughout Asia and this investment will enable us to grow our presence there.

"We have installed the same production facilities and techniques as found in the UK so quality remains consistent across the globe. The opening of the factory is a key component in our drive to have a world wide platform for our customers."