KAS-Shanghai

Inclusion has become a major topic for modern societies. Driven by the aim to establish socially equal and fair societies, the different stakeholders in societies are asked to contribute to integration and social inclusion. With the reputation of its advanced technology and equipment, German manufacturers attract investors and business partners all over the world. Besides, there is also a very advanced level of social engagement by many German companies. In Taicang, Jiangsu Province, the first workshop for mentally handicapped workers in China is a vigorous example that value can be created by both, social and economic means.

With the idea of trusting in independent and self-responsible action of every human being, the Taicang Sino-German Handicapped Technology Company is the first company in China that employs mentally disabled people. Mr. Nadav Ben Simon, General Manager of the company introduced the mission and major responsibilities of the workshop that right now employs 14 handicapped people: The main products they produce are wire harnesses, hard assemblies and machine assemblies. Taking the advantage of the most precise machineries for handicapped workers to use, the Sino-German Handicapped Technology Company is able to produce sufficiently to the demand of their customers. Meanwhile, Mr. Simon stressed the need to provide similar opportunities for handicapped people all over China. So far only few Chinese companies would consider to outsource simple production processes to his workshop, therefore the government should provide more incentives for local companies to change their behavior. Having more local Chinese customers for simple assigned work processes is the next goal for the German Handicapped Technology Company.

The visit and discussion at the Handicapped Technology Company was followed by a visit at IMS Gear, a German automotive supplier in the gear technology sector. The company has a very advanced technological production in Taicang where working robots are important part of the assembly process. Project manager, Georg Zimmer gave the KAS-scholarship holders a tour to their main factory of synthesizing particles. He stressed that personalizing services to every customer is the key to success for IMS. The company would continue to maintain consistent customer orientation and trying to build an open corporate culture. IMS Gear is also a supporter of the German Handicapped Technology Company.

Under the framework of the Sur-Place Scholarship program with the Shanghai University of International Business and Economy (SUIBI, former SIFT), KAS Shanghai supports up to 20 talented Chinese students every year.