HIMA Group, a global provider of safety-related automation solutions, has reinforced its footprint in China with the relocation to a new office in Shanghai. The facility was officially inaugurated on December 5 during a ceremony followed by a Safety Symposium attended by customers, partners and government representatives.

The move marks an important step in HIMA’s strategic expansion and reflects its long-term commitment to supporting China’s rapidly growing industrial sectors with advanced functional safety solutions.

Steffen Philipp, Managing Partner of HIMA Group, said the company places great value on long-term cooperation and partnerships in China. He noted that HIMA has more than 23 years of successful operations in the country and maintains close relationships with customers and partners. Today, HIMA employs around 80 highly qualified professionals across China, working closely with global teams.

The new Shanghai office is designed as a hub for customer engagement, technical collaboration and innovation-led projects. It features an upgraded Customer Solutions Centre to support expanded training and testing requirements, as well as multi-functional meeting areas to enhance professional interaction. The modern workspace is also aimed at improving employee comfort, efficiency and creativity.

Dr Michael Löbig, Chief Financial Officer of HIMA Group, said the new office underscores the strategic importance of the Chinese market. Yao Zhou, General Manager China, added that the facility is intended to serve China while acting as a centre from which expertise developed locally can reach global markets.

China remains the world’s largest chemical producer, and HIMA continues to play a key role in improving plant safety and operational security. Opening the Safety Symposium, HIMA Group Chief Executive Officer Jörg de la Motte highlighted China as one of the company’s most important regions, noting that HIMA’s solutions help enhance safety while creating added value through the digitalisation of functional safety.

More than 100 participants attended the symposium, which featured expert insights from organisations including China Huanqiu, the Sino-German Intelligent Manufacturing Standardisation Council and BASF. HIMA specialists presented the company’s latest innovations and best practices, covering areas such as cybersecurity, digital engineering, Advanced Physical Layer technology and HIMA Smart Solutions.

In line with HIMA’s sustainability strategy, the event used environmentally friendly and recyclable materials. Six demonstration booths showcased technologies including digital lifecycle management, SafeHMI, turbine machinery control solutions and high-integrity pressure protection systems.

The Shanghai relocation follows the opening of the HIMA Zhanjiang Service Centre in Guangdong province in 2024, which supports customers in south-east China, including the BASF Verbund site. Building on its strong foundation in the country, HIMA plans to continue investing in local innovation, accelerating digital transformation and advancing sustainable technologies in line with its global environmental, social and governance objectives.