May 21 2014
GSE Environmental continued its long-established tradition of being the global leader in the geosynthetics industry with the official opening of its Suzhou, China factory. The opening of the factory represents a major milestone in GSE's vision of supporting the growth in this region with locally manufactured products.
The day was celebrated with a grand opening event attended by government and provincial officials; key influencers in the geosynthetics industry, such as installers, owners, designers and engineers; and GSE company executives and local manufacturing, operations, and sales teams.
Although this plant is a new addition in China, GSE began building its position in the region 24 years ago when the first sales manager in China was hired, and later with the opening of a full sales office in Shanghai in 2000. Over time, GSE strengthened its relationship with regional customers and government agencies, and began supplying geosynthetics to projects of national importance.
In his grand opening speech, Peter McCourt, President, International for GSE Environmental said, "Our success in China is the reason for building this new plant. As the world becomes more concerned about pollution, China also has pledged to introduce enhanced environmental legislation. GSE will be ready to help our customers meet these standards with geosynthetic products manufactured locally under the same stringent quality guidelines that are observed in all our locations."
Plans to build a manufacturing facility in China began three years ago, when GSE Environmental recognized the need to expand operations in Asia Pacific in order to support the growth in this region. Construction crews broke ground in January 2013, trial production began one year later, and the first sales order shipped last month. Upon reaching full manufacturing capacity, the plant is expected to produce 20,000 metric tonnes each year for the Asia Pacific market.
"We have designed and executed one of the finest factories in the world, with the capacity to produce every differentiated geomembrane GSE has developed to date," said Jeff Nigh, Vice President Global Operations, GSE Environmental. "We have assembled a world-class team, procured world-class resins, and built strong relationships in the region. We have all the assets in place to realize our vision of being the leader and largest supplier of innovative geosynthetics in China."
About GSE Environmental
GSE is a global manufacturer and marketer of geosynthetic lining solutions, products and services used in the containment and management of solids, liquids, and gases for organizations engaged in waste management, mining, water, wastewater and aquaculture. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, USA, GSE maintains sales offices throughout the world and manufacturing facilities in the US, Chile, Germany, China, Thailand and Egypt. GSE is a publicly traded company on the OTCQB Market under the ticker symbol "GSEH."