GERMANY'S Schaeffler Group, a leading bearing and automotive supplier, recently opened a research and development center in Anting, Shanghai, taking a further step to tap the Chinese market.

Schaeffler started the construction of the 21,000-square-meter R&D center in 2005, with total investment of 220 million yuan (US$28.2 million). Initially, about 100 engineers will focus on the adoption of know-how for products for the Asian markets. The company plans to increase the payroll to 250 engineers as it further integrates the local center to its global research network. Meanwhile, Schaeffler also unveiled its new factory in Taicang, Jiangsu Province, which covers 110,000 square meters.