Tyco International, the world's leading manufacturing conglomerate of fire and security equipment, electronic parts, water treatment and healthcare products, launched its China headquarters in Beijing yesterday in order to develop more than 60 business entities in the country.

The move will strengthen the company's local management of resources, and marks an adjustment of its China strategy towards providing consolidated solution services to customers, said Michael Byrnes, president of the US firm's China operation.

He said that the Tyco team in Beijing is proud to bring leading edge technology, superb support and service, and unstinting focus on its Chinese customers.

William Lytton, executive vice-president of Tyco International, said that since coming to China, the company has steadily expanded its presence in the market.

"Our commitment to the Chinese market and people is strong and getting stronger," Lytton said.

He said the company will increase its investment and employment opportunities in the country. This is the firm's second largest operation after the United States in terms of staff numbers.

The company has recruited 31,000 employees in China, compared with 250,000 globally.

Its investment in the country has hit US$500 million.

"China pledges to further improve its infrastructure, giving Tyco a golden opportunity to develop all its business sectors in the local market," he said, adding that the company will work closely with the government.

Lytton revealed that the company is setting up a new facility in Suzhou for connector manufacturing, and will expand factories in Qingdao and Kunshan.

"Our electronic plant in Qingdao now has 300 employees, and after expansion it will create up to 2,000 job opportunities. The new facility will start operations at the beginning of next year," he said.

In the meantime, two new engineering centers are under construction in eastern and southern China.

Tyco established its Clinical Training Centre in Shanghai earlier this year where they will train over 1,000 medical professionals annually starting from next year.

It has two such centres in the United States and Europe.

Furthermore, the company provides clean drinking water in cities such a Qinghuangdao and Tianjin and it cleans wastewater in Guangzhou and Dalian.

"We are helping to provide secure environments for China's major infrastructure projects such as the security system for Pudong Airport, and providing the fire suppression system in the Shanghai subway," Lytton added.

Tyco, a Fortune 500 company, is the world's largest manufacturer and service provider of electrical and electronic components and the world's largest manufacturer of undersea telecommunications systems.

(China Daily October 27, 2005)