Harman Int'l sets up regional headquarters in Shanghai

Oct. 5, 2009 (China Knowledge) - Harman International Industries, Inc, a U.S. audio and infotainment equipment company, has opened its regional headquarters in Shanghai in order to facilitate its business in China and Northeast Asia, sources reported.

The Connecticut-based company also launched its fifth research and development center in Shanghai, which is expected to have more than 100 research staff, according to Jin Dingyi, president for Harman China and Northeast Asia.

Harman China will triple its headcount in the next five years, with the business scale increasing by four times. Sales revenue is expected to hit RMB 1 billion, 60% of which will be contributed by car audio systems.

The convenient infrastructure and rich talent pool in Shanghai are the two main reasons for Harman International to set up the regional headquarters, said Dinesh Paliwal, chairman and CEO of Harman.

On the same day, the U.S. firm showcased its latest automotive infotainment systems, which are produced by the firm's Suzhou plant.

Harman International set up its first plant in China in 1998. Its new production facility in Suzhou became operational last year with more than 1,000 employees.