Garrett Motion to Expand Production Facility in Wuhan, China

Rhea-AI Summary

Garrett Motion Inc. (Nasdaq: GTX) announced an expansion of its Wuhan, China production facility by 50% to meet increasing demand from local and global automakers. The plant, operational since 2013, has experienced a 60% annual growth rate in production from 2014 to 2020, with net sales in China rising over 32% in 2020. The expansion, expected to complete by Q1 2022, will feature advanced production lines for turbo technology and electrification. This move underscores Garrett's commitment to supporting automotive innovations in China’s growing market.

Positive

• Wuhan plant expansion by 50% to boost production capacity.
• Achieved over 60% annual production growth from 2014 to 2020.
• China net sales increased by over 32% in 2020, indicating strong demand.
• Plans for advanced production lines for turbo and electrification technologies.

Negative

• None.

Increases Operational Footprint by 50% to Support Strong Growth

ROLLE, Switzerland, June 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Garrett Motion Inc. (Nasdaq: GTX), a leading differentiated technology provider for the automotive industry, announced today it plans to expand and modernize its existing production facility in Wuhan, China to meet increasing customer demand.

Garrett’s Wuhan plant opened in 2013 and currently serves major local and global automakers. The expansion is expected to increase the size of the state-of-the-art facility by approximately 50% and is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2022.

“Garrett has achieved significant growth in Wuhan since we commenced operations in this key industrial hub over seven years ago,” said Olivier Rabiller, President and CEO of Garrett. “Our production rate in Wuhan has grown more than 60% annually from 2014 to 2020. Further, our strong performance in all of China in 2020, despite the impact of a global pandemic, underscores the broader need to expand our footprint in the world’s largest auto market. We are pleased to strengthen our presence in Wuhan and remain committed to investing in the future success of our company while supporting high-tech enterprise for the benefit of the local community.”

China net sales in 2020 increased over 32% for the year led by a record performance in the fourth quarter following extended plant closures in Wuhan and Shanghai during the first quarter due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Demand for Garrett’s differentiated technologies has been driven by modern engine architectures with downsized engines, the growth in electrified powertrains, and more stringent fuel efficiency and emissions regulations, such as China VI. Currently, Garrett estimates turbo penetration in China for passenger vehicles is approximately 60%, and growing.

Thierry Mabru, Garrett’s Senior Vice President, Integrated Supply Chain, stated, “The expansion of our plant in Wuhan is consistent with our focus on ensuring Garrett’s ability to support customers with value-added products that uniquely suit their needs. We plan to rollout the first high-speed production line with variable geometry technology for gasoline engines upon completion of our plant expansion in Wuhan. We expect to further drive greater technology content with our new electrification lines in Shanghai for hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. By strengthening our capabilities and increasing our production capacity throughout this strategic region, we intend to take full advantage of the attractive growth opportunities across our diverse portfolio of innovative technologies as we continue to propel the automotive industry into the future.”

In 2020, Garrett China earned several government and customer awards in recognition of its support to local communities during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the safe and rapid return of production activities and continued on-time deliveries. Most recently, Garrett China achieved a major operating milestone with the delivery of its 20 millionth turbo produced in the country.

About Garrett Motion Inc.
Garrett Motion is a differentiated technology leader, serving customers worldwide for more than 65 years with passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, aftermarket replacement and performance enhancement solutions. Garrett’s cutting-edge technology enables vehicles to become safer, more connected, efficient and environmentally friendly. Our portfolio of turbocharging, electric boosting and automotive software solutions empowers the transportation industry to redefine and further advance motion. For more information, please visit www.garrettmotion.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of fact, that address activities, events or developments that we or our management intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements including without limitation our statements regarding industry trends, Garrett’s strategy, and Garrett’s capital structure following emergence from the Chapter 11 process. Although we believe forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the actual results or performance of Garrett to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as well as our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this document. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ from those envisaged by our forward-looking statements.

Contacts:
Michael Cimini	Emma Liu
Garrett Motion Inc.	Garrett Motion Inc.
+1 973 216 3986	+86 21 3865 2859
michael.cimini@garrettmotion.com	Yan.Liu3@garrettmotion.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e9140635-35c6-4936-8136-44e779daaed0

FAQ

What is the significance of Garrett Motion's expansion in Wuhan, China?

The expansion increases production capacity by 50% to meet the rising demand from local and global automakers.

What were Garrett Motion's sales growth statistics in 2020?

Garrett Motion reported a 32% increase in net sales in China for 2020, with significant growth in the fourth quarter.

When is the completion date for the Wuhan plant expansion?

The expansion of the Wuhan plant is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2022.

How much has Garrett's production rate grown in Wuhan since it opened?

Garrett's production rate in Wuhan has grown more than 60% annually from 2014 to 2020.