In 2006, POLAR took the leap into China opening a subsidiary enterprise called POLAR Postpress Machinery. The plant now manufactures cutting machines and peripheral equipment customized for China and the neighboring markets. 

The company celebrated this anniversary with a Family Day for employees and their families who proudly looked back on what they have achieved over these past 10 years. POLAR Postpress Machinery (PPM) is characterized by a very close and friendly team spirit. Consequently, the staff are extremely loyal to their employer. This is also reflected in a very low turnover of personnel. 

Production standard meets German level

This is one of the reasons why the quality of the delivered machines is of the same high level as in POLAR Germany. In addition, the whole production is geared to German standards and closely aligned to operations in the Hofheim headquarters. All high-quality and safety-relevant key components are still supplied from our site in Germany. Consequently, PPM’s company policy states: One POLAR standard, one POLAR quality – at every production site. 

The product portfolio offered by POLAR Postpress Machinery

The PPM premises are located right behind the Heidelberg factory in Quinpu, a Shanghai suburb. Initially, PPM produced the XC cutting machine, a model customized to the Chinese market. Since then, it has developed into the PF model which is still being produced with cutting widths of 115 and 137. Over time, further peripheral units have been added to the line of products. The company is currently producing stack lifts, a specialized aligning table for preparing material, as well as Transomat unloading units.

A decision in favor of China

Until 2008, the Chinese economy grew more than 10% every year. Besides, with a population of almost 1.4 billion, China is one of the biggest countries in the world. In order to protect its local guillotine cutter manufacturers, the country levies customs duties of about 20% on imported cutting machines. In 2006, POLAR decided to found its own subsidiary in order to participate in the growing market and avoid the adverse effects of the customs requirements. At that time, a change in the law allowed foreign investors to found new companies for the first time without the need of having a local partner. Consequently, PPM is a wholly owned subsidiary of POLAR and no Chinese partner is involved.