THE Rolls-Royce Group Plc has won an order worth US$42 million, its largest, from a Chinese ship builder, the firm said yesterday, adding that it plans to expand production capacity of shipping equipment in China, and buy other firms.
The contract was awarded by Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group Co Ltd, a private firm based in eastern Jiangsu Province, and involves supply of steering gear and deck machinery. The order helped Rolls-Royce to record sales in China for its marine business.
Marine business accounts for about 18 percent of the revenue of Rolls-Royce.
The British company is also studying the best way to expand - whether through expanding its existing plant, acquisition or a joint venture, said Rami Jokela, director of its North East Asia marine division.
"We are studying to start a new phase for our Shanghai plant, and we are also looking for a win-win situation with local partners here," he said in Shanghai.