10:40:48 AM | 9/15/2025
The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Germany diplomatic relations (1975 - 2025), underscoring the enduring friendship and deepening partnership between the two nations. Bilateral economic ties have strengthened significantly in recent years.
The inauguration ceremony of the Schaeffler Vietnam plant took place in 2019
According to the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), bilateral trade surpassed €18.8 billion (approximately US$20.4 billion) in 2024, with investments concentrated in high-growth sectors such as renewable energy, automation, and vocational training. Against this backdrop, Schaeffler - a leading motion technology company, headquartered in Germany with over two decades of operations in Vietnam - exemplifies the successful collaboration between the two economies.
A 20-year journey of partnership and sustainable growth
Driven by long-term vision and unwavering commitment, Schaeffler began its presence in Vietnam in 2001 with the establishment of its first representative office in Ho Chi Minh City. Since then, the company has emerged as one of the pioneering German enterprises contributing to Vietnam’s industrial development through key strategic milestones.
In 2007, Schaeffler inaugurated its first manufacturing plant at the Amata Industrial Park in Bien Hoa, marking a strategic step to strengthen local production capacity by integrating German engineering and technology into Vietnam.
By 2019, Schaeffler expanded its presence in Vietnam with a new 5-hectare facility at the Amata Industrial Park in Bien Hoa. Backed by an investment of nearly US$50 million, the plant integrates advanced automated production lines specializing in bearings and industrial components. It also serves as Schaeffler’s first digital pilot plant in the Asia-Pacific region, marking a cornerstone in the company's global strategy.
Solar power project at Schaeffler Vietnam’s Dong Nai plant
Three core values shaping the future of industry
As a leader in motion technology, Schaeffler is guided by three strategic pillars: Innovation, Digitalization and Sustainability.
On innovation, Schaeffler is shaping the future of motion technology with its emphasis on R&D. With 1,040 patent registrations filed with the German Patent and Trademark Office in 2023, Schaeffler is Germany's seventh most innovative company. Schaeffler is also a Tier 1 member of the Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC) under Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), accelerating deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies and new production concepts, in particular additive manufacturing industrialization and robotics at Schaeffler’s production sites globally, including Vietnam.
On digitalization, Schaeffler prioritizes technology transformation and smart factory development. Its Bien Hoa facility is one of four global digital pilot plants, implementing an end-to-end digitalization strategy from production through the entire value chain. Advanced software solutions such as its proprietary autinityE3, autinityHub, autinityVC and autinityDAP are deployed to optimize operations and improve sustainability. The group also invests in digital talent through its Fit4Digital program and expands collaborations with international technology partners to enhance digital transformation capabilities in Vietnam.
On sustainability, Schaeffler is focused on decarbonizing its operations and its supply chain. In Vietnam, smart monitoring systems have been introduced to optimize energy efficiency and track annual emissions. Additionally, a recently launched solar power project at the Dong Nai plant reaffirms Schaeffler’s strong commitment to sustainability.
Schaeffler remains committed to supporting industrial and workforce development in Vietnam. Since 2020, the company has partnered with Lilama 2 Technical College to provide apprenticeship programs based on Schaeffler’s production standards, empowering young talents to gain international knowledge and hands-on expertise. Schaeffler has also been consistently recognized by Anphabe as one of the “Best Places to Work in Vietnam”.
Over the past two decades, Schaeffler has reinforced its position in Vietnam not only through modern manufacturing facilities but also by serving as a vital industrial and technological bridge between Vietnam and Germany. “As a sustainable bridge for Vietnam-Germany industrial cooperation, Schaeffler will continue to accompany Vietnam on its journey toward a green, smart and sustainable industry,” said Zhang Ying, Plant Manager of Schaeffler Vietnam.
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Schaeffler Group The Schaeffler Group has been driving forward groundbreaking inventions and developments in the field of motion technology for over 75 years. With innovative technologies, products, and services for electric mobility, CO₂-efficient drives, chassis solutions, Industry 4.0, digitalization, and renewable energies, the company is a reliable partner for making motion more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable – over the entire life cycle. The Motion Technology Company manufactures high-precision components and systems for drivetrain and chassis applications as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for a large number of industrial applications. The Schaeffler Group generated sales of €16.3 billion in 2023. With around 84,000 employees, Schaeffler is one of the world’s largest family-owned companies and one of Germany’s most innovative companies. |
Source: Vietnam Business Forum
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