Cochlear to lift global capacity with $50m investment in China factory

Cochlear has unveiled plans to expand its global footprint with a new $50m facility in China’s Sichuan province.

The hearing products to be produced at Cochlear’s new China factory will be aimed at China and emerging markets. (Picture: Eugene Hyland)

Cochlear is expanding its global manufacturing capacity with a new $50 million facility in China.

The company (COH) said the hearing products to be produced at the China factory, in Chengdu in Sichuan province, were intended for China and emerging markets.

The new site will have the capacity to increase Cochlear’s global implant production by around 50 per cent.

“Cochlear has been building its presence in China for more than 20 years and this investment recognises the importance of our business in China and will support the future growth of our emerging markets business,” Cochlear chief executive Chris Smith said.

“Together with high levels of government support for cochlear implantation in children, China has become a top five market for Cochlear and one of our fastest growing markets, with significant potential for ongoing growth.”

Cochlear said production should start in four years, subject to the timing of regulatory and other approvals.