The 19th China International Machine Tool Show was opened in Beijing on Monday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
German optical systems giant Zeiss Group is doubling down on its commitment to China's massive market, a senior company executive said.
With a strategic focus on leveraging China's innovation and speed, the company is positioning itself to capitalize on the country's rapid technological advancement and evolving manufacturing landscape.
Axel Christian, chief financial officer of Carl Zeiss Group Greater China, made the remarks during a recent interview during a visit to Beijing for the 19th China International Machine Tool Show.
"There's a lot of technology upgrading going on currently. We can mutually benefit when we cooperate and work together, and the growth potential stays very big," Christian said.
Recognizing China as the largest and most dynamic market globally, Zeiss is aligning its strategies to tap into the country's growth potential and technological prowess. By combining Germany's expertise in smart manufacturing with China's immense manufacturing capabilities, Zeiss aims to drive innovation and deliver high-quality products that cater to the demands of the global market.
At the heart of Zeiss's China strategy, Christian said, lies a dedication to digital transformation and AI integration. Through targeted investments in digital technologies and AI applications, Zeiss is enhancing customer interactions, streamlining operations, and staying at the forefront of technological innovation. By focusing on user-oriented solutions and customer satisfaction, the company is establishing new bench marks in the digital landscape.
"What we want to do is be very user-centric, very customer-centric, and to provide added value for the customer," he said, adding that the approach really helps in upgrading manufacturing.
One of Zeiss's standout initiatives has been the development of an AI-powered chatbot for eye care services, Christian said. The innovative tool provides users with preliminary medical advice while emphasizing the importance of consulting healthcare professionals for complex issues.
It's also important to know the limits of AI, he said.
"We use it in China in our pilot country, and then we think about rolling all these AI activities out globally," he said. "People here are very open-minded. They want to explore the technology and the potential. And this gives us also, then, as a company, a lot of potential to deliver good solutions."
The chatbot exemplifies Zeiss's commitment to blending cutting-edge technology with customer-centric solutions, starting in healthcare.
Axel Christian, chief financial officer of Carl Zeiss Group Greater China [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
With its Greater China headquarters in Shanghai, Zeiss is solidifying its presence to capitalize on the fast-paced business environment and culture of innovation.
The German optical systems giant plans to expand its headquarters in Shanghai, with an investment of more than 600 million yuan ($82.4 million), an earlier report said.
"We want to send a clear message that we are committed to China, and that is why we decided to invest in it, maybe in tough times," he said.
By fostering collaboration between teams and consolidating operations, Zeiss is strategically positioning itself to navigate China's competitive landscape and drive growth in key sectors.
Zeiss's manufacturing facilities in Guangzhou play a crucial role in the company's operations, producing high-quality lenses and other optical products, he said. As the country transitions from being a manufacturing powerhouse to a hub of innovation, Zeiss remains at the forefront, delivering top-notch products while embracing China's evolving industrial landscape.
Focusing mainly on quantity decades ago, China now produces top-quality products and delivers them around the world, he said. The intensely competitive landscape also reinforces the fast growth of the country.
From an entrepreneurial perspective, Christian said, "I like the China speed a lot. You will make mistakes anyway so it's better to make them faster, learn faster and have faster iterations."
He said that more than 90 percent of Zeiss's revenue is generated outside of Germany, underscoring the company's international reach and commitment to globalization.
In China, the top contributions come from segments including medicine, microscopy and the lens business.
As Zeiss expands its innovative footprint in China, the company's strategic focus will remain on technological advancement, quality-driven production and collaborative partnerships in a rapidly evolving market, he said.
