The opening ceremony of Holt Valve Technology (Shanghai) Co., the first wholly-owned subsidiary of Germany's HORA in China, took place at Sinar Mas Plaza on April 22, marking the official establishment of the German "hidden champion" in Hongkou.
Founded in December 2023, Holt Valve is HORA's only wholly-owned subsidiary in China. As one of Germany's largest control valve manufacturers, HORA is recognized for its superb German engineering and high-quality manufacturing standards, making it a "hidden champion" in the industry.
It has won the TOP100 Innovation Award and the German Excellent Manufacturer Award, known as the "Oscar of Manufacturing." Choosing Hongkou as its initial investment destination in China, Holt Valve aims to create more vitality and opportunities for the development of German hidden champion enterprises in China, according to the company.
Hongkou has a long-standing focus on exchange and cooperation with Germany, achieving significant results in scientific innovation and economic and trade exchanges.
In July last year, the district hosted an investment promotion meeting for the leading multinational enterprises in Hongkou, followed by a North Bund night tour during the China International Import Expo in November. The events brought several German companies into Hongkou, including HORA, OBO Bettermann, and the Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA).
Hongkou currently hosts several German multinational corporations and headquarters, including Siemens Industrial Software and Düsseldorf Exhibition Group.
Hongkou has prioritized developing an open economy, with nearly 2,000 foreign-funded enterprises from 75 countries and regions currently operating in the district.
The region's high-quality commercial buildings, combined with various development policies, have led to the accelerated concentration of headquarters, with the district now home to 84 high-level headquarters.
Hongkou aims to prioritize optimizing the business environment, creating a fair and competitive market, and practical and convenient government services to attract more high-quality foreign investment, according to the district government.