“Freudenberg is increasingly investing in China,” said James Wei, director, Strategic Business Development at NFC (NOK Freudenberg China). Along with Changchun and Taicang, Wuxi is one of three Chinese locations where NOK and Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) are jointly manufacturing for the Chinese market. With sales offices in Chinese business metropolis NFC is close to the customers. “In some instances, our European customers in China have sourced products through our Lead Center in Europe. Now they would like direct delivery from China. That is why FST is continuing to invest in China – so it can increase local production in the future,” Wei explained. “We are wherever the customer is.” This won’t just require good people from China but sealing technology experts from Europe or America as well. These so-called “expats” would move to China for a few years to train new employees on site. “We need a transfer of know-how,” said Esther Loidl, senior vice president, Global Human Resources, at FST. Expats are being sought for several positions: process engineers, applications engineers, experienced sales employees or project managers. “Candidates should speak very good English, be open to international activity and have a background in development or manufacturing,” Loidl stated, rounding out the requirements profile.