ifm, a global leader in the manufacturing of sensors and controls for industrial automation, broke ground on an intelligent sensor and R&D base in SIP on Apr 15. The project, with a total investment of approximately US$100 million, will be the first ifm facility of its kind in China. It will be built with German Industry 4.0 standards, and is scheduled to come into operation in 2026.

Founded in Germany in 1969, ifm stands among the world’s top industrial sensor brands, and is a pioneer in Germany’s Industry 4.0 initiative. Its product portfolio includes sensors, condition monitoring systems, vision processors, and industrial communication devices, which are widely used in the sectors of industrial automation, embodied AI, new energy vehicles, and medical equipment.

Dirk Kristes, a member of the board of directors and COO (Chief Operating Officer) of ifm group, said the Suzhou facility marks a strategic milestone for ifm’s development in China, and SIP’s farsighted planning, professional business services and good faith have made ifm believe that it is an ideal home for the project.

Andrzej Durdyn, executive vice president at ifm group, said they decided to launch the project in SIP after evaluating 17 locations worldwide since 2023.

April 15, 2025