(Yicai Global) Dec. 2 -- Robert Bosch has broken ground on a new hydrogen fuel cell plant in Wuxi, China, marking the first time the German engineering giant has built such a facility outside of its home country.

The Gerlingen-based firm began building the Bosch China Hydrogen Fuel Cell Center on Nov. 29 and hopes to finish the job by the end of 2020 so mass production can start the next year, its Chinese arm said on WeChat.

Bosch will use the facility, equipped with test equipment for key hydrogen fuel cell components and battery stacks, to develop, test and make parts for fuel cell systems.

The company also plans to set up an innovation and software research center in Wuxi, the statement added, saying it will initially spend CNY35 million (USD5 million) on the hub and put it into use in mid-2020. This facility will provide software support for all Bosch China businesses and focus its research on electrification, connected cars and big data.

Editor: James Boynton