(Yicai Global) Feb. 28 -- Chinese telecoms giant Huawei plans to build a EUR200 million (USD220 million) factory in France to make wireless communications products geared toward the European market.

The highly automated and intelligent facility will specialize in fourth- and fifth-generation networking equipment, the Shenzhen-based firm said in a press release, adding that the plant will be one of the first in Europe using its advanced manufacturing technologies.

"As one of the world's most advanced manufacturing centers, France has mature industrial infrastructure and a highly educated labor pool, and its geographic positioning is ideal for Huawei," the firm said. "This manufacturing plant will add to Huawei's integrated value chain within Europe, improving the timeliness and reliability of Huawei's deliveries to European customers."

The proposed investment budget includes land, construction and equipment, with the facility's construction using some of the world's most advanced production equipment and tools from local leading partners, according to Huawei. It expects the plant to put out EUR1 billion worth of goods each year and create 500 jobs directly.

The company will also open up the plant as a demonstration center for its wireless base station production, software loading, and testing process to carriers, governments and other authorities.

Editor: James Boynton