Seoul (South Korea), September 14: South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries Co. said Tuesday it will close one of its Chinese plants due to decreased productivity caused by its superannuated facilities.
Samsung Heavy has been in talks with the Chinese government to hand over the land and other assets by Samsung Heavy Industries Ningbo Co. early next year, the company said in an emailed statement.
Samsung Heavy has two plants in China -- Samsung Heavy Industries Ningbo with 150,000 ton production capacity and Samsung Heavy Industries Rongcheng Co. with 200,000 ton production capacity to manufacture ship blocks.
Samsung Heavy said it will focus on the operation of its Rongcheng unit after the withdrawal of Ningbo unit.
Samsung Heavy plans to raise funds for the development of eco-friendly shipbuilding technologies by selling new shares and an apartment complex for its workers near Geoje shipyard, about 400 kilometers south of Seoul.
Source: Yonhap
