Schunk (www.gb.schunk.com), the clamping-technology and gripping-systems specialist, has officially opened its new China headquarters in Shanghai as it looks to expand its presence in that country.

Since 2003, Schunk has been represented in China by its own subsidiary, which has enjoyed consistent growth; the new headquarters will give the company room for its increasing number of Chinese staff. There will also be a new test centre, with robot cells to demonstrate what can be achieved by using Schunk components and automation solutions.

Meanwhile, in Germany Volkswagen AG has named Schunk (working with Servus Intralogistics) as one of its ‘nominated suppliers’. The two companies collaborated on a mobile handling and transport system that links storage, production and assembly in an automated fashion. The central elements are Schunk LWA 4P Powerball lightweight arms, which can handle both individual components and complete trays.