UFI Filters, a global leader in filtration and thermal management, as well as sustainable mobility and hydrogen technologies, received the prestigious ‘Top Investor’ award as part of the China Awards 2024. The event, organised by Italy China Council Foundation-ICCF and Milano Finanza-Gruppo Class Editori, was held on December 4^th during the traditional ‘Charity Dinner’ at the ‘Leonardo da Vinci’ Museum of Science and Technology in Milan, in the presence of prominent personalities such as Mario Boselli, President of the Italy China Council Foundation- ICCF, and Paolo Panerai, Publisher and Managing Director of Class Editori, who welcomed Liu Kan, Consul General of China in Milan, Luo Jin, Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Italy, ?and Lorenzo Riccardi, President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China.

A strategic investment: UFI GREEN

The award was presented to UFI Filters for its significant investments in China, culminating in the inauguration of UFI GREEN, the Group’s first industrial site entirely dedicated to sustainable mobility technologies. Located in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, this plant covers an area of 42,000 m2 designed to minimise emissions and energy consumption. Thanks to the installation of 15,000 m2 of photovoltaic panels, UFI GREEN is positioned as a model of energy efficiency and technological innovation.

At this industrial site, the company develops thermal management systems and advanced filtration solutions for electric, hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles. “This plant is not only a strategic investment, but also a statement of our commitment to a more sustainable future,” commented UFI Filters CEO Stefano Gava, accepting the award. “Every year, we strengthen our presence in China with targeted investments in the development of new products, equipment and production facilities. By 2025, we aim to further expand our offering, also entering new market segments.”

Consolidated leadership in China

UFI Filters has been present in China since 1982, where it now has seven production plants, including a research and development centre and a laboratory with over 100 highly specialised engineers. With its two aftermarket brands, UFI and SOFIMA, the company covers 93% of China’s car fleet, confirming its leading role in a market that, with more than 27 million vehicles sold each year, is the leading automotive hub globally.

UFI Filters President Giorgio Girondi, in video link to the ceremony, commented: “Receiving an award at the China Awards for the third time is a great honour. This award celebrates our journey in China, which began in 1982 and has grown to seven production plants, a research centre and more than 2,000 people, and it also testifies to our leadership in world markets. Indeed, China is the world’s largest automotive market, it is leading the global electrification revolution, and our connection with this country is based on a shared vision of innovation and sustainability. In my new role as Advisor of the Italian delegation to the European Parliament, I want to bring forward a clear message: Italy and China share a fundamental goal, that of building bridges and stable relations.” Girondi also emphasised the importance of local partnerships and the Chinese government’s constant support in the development of new technologies.

Social commitment and sustainability

In addition to technological investments, UFI Filters promotes social responsibility initiatives in China, such as the sustainability contest organised in cooperation with the Shanghai Daily newspaper. UFI Filters’ innovation is not limited to products, but extends to its commitment to the community and the environment.

UFI Filters thus confirms itself not only as a global leader in sustainable mobility, but also as a bridge of dialogue and cooperation between Italy and China, contributing to the development of an increasingly green and technologically advanced future.