Global company applies industry expertise to produce high-quality
products for Chinese market
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) announced today that it is strengthening its
presence in China with the grand opening of its manufacturing facility
in Suzhou Industrial Park, China. Itron's Suzhou factory supports three
major product lines: residential water meters, industrial water meters
and residential heat meters, supplying both Chinese and global markets.
"Our continued investment in Itron's heat and water meter business in
Suzhou is indicative of our strong commitment to the Chinese market,"
said LeRoy Nosbaum, Itron president and chief executive officer. "This
marks an important step forward as we sharpen our focus on delivering
local products that meet local needs and provide a platform for building
a sustainable future."
With its increasing capabilities in Suzhou, Itron is equipped to
manufacture sophisticated heat metering products that will assist
Chinese utilities with achieving energy reduction objectives. One of the
major goals of the Chinese government's current Five Year Plan
encourages decreasing energy consumption by 16 percent as compared with
2010 levels and by 32 percent as compared with 2005 levels*. In line
with the plan published by the State Grid Corporation of China in 2009,
initial smart grid constructions and interactive service systems will be
deployed before 2015.
In addition to heat meters, Itron's Suzhou facility produces water
meters for residential as well as commercial and industrial
applications. This technology aims to reduce water wastage and empower
water providers with the critical information they need to better manage
vital water resources.
"Accurate and reliable data are crucial to achieving energy reduction
and water management targets," said Marcel Regnier, Itron chief
operating officer, Water Division. "With the ceremonial opening of our
factory in Suzhou, Itron is enthusiastically ready to provide Chinese
clients with cutting-edge offerings that will help them address real
business challenges."
Aside from continuing to produce residential heat meters for the North
China market, the Suzhou factory will also design and produce Itron's
next-generation heat meter, Ultramaxx, by the end of this year.
* Energy consumption will decrease to the equivalent of 0.869 tons of
coal per 10,000 RMB GDP, which represents 16% less than 2010 standards
and 32% less than 2005 standards (Source: 2011 State Council Report).
About Itron
Itron is a leading provider of energy and water resource management
solutions for nearly 8,000 utilities around the world. We offer
end-to-end solutions that include electricity, gas, water and thermal
energy measurement and control technology; communications systems;
software; and professional services. With more than 9,000 employees
doing business in more than 130 countries, Itron empowers utilities to
responsibly and efficiently manage energy and water resources. To
realize a sustainable future, start here: www.itron.com.
Itron, Inc.
Sharelynn Moore, 509-891-3524
Vice
President, Corporate Communications
sharelynn.moore@itron.com
Source: Itron, Inc.
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