YANTAI, China — On Thursday, Delphi Automotive held a groundbreaking ceremony in Yantai, Shandong Province, for a new diesel manufacturing facility that the company says will enhance its ability to serve a rapidly growing customer base in Asia, as well as strengthen its ties with the local community.
           
Delphi is investing approximately $100 million to construct and equip the facility.
 
"This investment in Yantai represents Delphi’s commitment to be a strategic, market-relevant diesel fuel injection supplier in China," said Rodney O’Neal, president and CEO of Delphi.
 
The Yantai operation will produce high-precision diesel fuel injection systems components. The new manufacturing facility, expected to start production in late 2013, will be supported by an existing Delphi operation in Suzhou that will supply engine control modules. The company currently employs 2,800 people in the Yantai municipality and Fushan district and expects to hire an additional 500 employees at the new facility.
 
Delphi has been operating in China since 1993.