(Yicai) Oct. 29 -- French energy technology leader Schneider Electric has put the first phase of its largest medium-voltage electrical equipment facility into operation in Xiamen, China's southeastern Fujian province, integrating a research and development tech center and a smart manufacturing and service training center.

The base, covering nearly 110,000 square meters and with a total investment of about CNY1.2 billion (USD180.2 million), became operational yesterday, Schneider Electric announced on the same day. Construction on the second phase has also kicked off.

The facility is equipped with Schneider Electric's most advanced customized production line for medium-voltage switchgear, a sheet metal workshop, an automatic copper bar production line, and multiple intelligent test equipment, the Rueil-based company pointed out.

The largest single steel structure span in the first phase is 37 meters, six times that of a regular plant, capable of withstanding category 17 typhoons, the head of the base pointed out.

Based on upgraded manufacturing and operational models in the first phase, the second phase will further expand capabilities in key tech processes and core licenses, focusing on producing vacuum arc extinguishing chambers, medium voltage circuit breakers, and other products, according to official sources in Xiamen, citing Xu Shaofeng, senior vice president of Schneider Electric.

Editor: Martin Kadiev