- ZF will move electric parking brake production from China to Japan to improve supply chain stability.
- The company plans to start domestic production in Hiroshima Prefecture around next fall.
ZF Friedrichshafen AG has decided to relocate production of its electric parking brakes (EPB) from China to Japan as part of a broader review of its supply chain operations. The move reflects growing customer demand for domestic manufacturing and greater supply chain resilience. Production volumes equivalent to approximately 550,000 vehicles annually, representing around 1.1 million EPB units, will be transferred to the company's Miyoshi Plant located in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
ZF Responds to Customer Demand for Domestic Manufacturing
The production transfer is intended to address customer requirements that increasingly prioritize secure and stable supply networks. According to information shared by ZF Japan Co., Ltd., the company sees domestic manufacturing as an important step toward reducing supply chain risks while improving responsiveness to local market needs. The initiative aligns with a broader industry trend in which manufacturers seek to strengthen regional production capabilities and reduce dependence on overseas facilities.
Production Transfer Details
The shift will move electric parking brake manufacturing capacity equivalent to about 550,000 vehicles per year from China to the Miyoshi Plant in Hiroshima Prefecture. Production is scheduled to begin around next fall. The facility will support local manufacturing requirements while helping the company improve supply continuity for customers operating in Japan. The transfer represents one of the key supply chain adjustments currently being implemented by the company.
Key Production Transfer Information
The following table summarizes the announced production relocation plan and expected manufacturing volumes.
Electric Parking Brake Production Transfer Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Electric Parking Brake (EPB) |
| Production Transfer | China to Japan |
| Receiving Plant | Miyoshi Plant, Hiroshima Prefecture |
| Annual Vehicle Capacity | Approximately 550,000 Vehicles |
| Annual Unit Capacity | Approximately 1.1 Million Units |
| Production Start | Around Next Fall |
Potential Expansion Plans
Company leadership indicated that additional production transfers may be considered in the future. Depending on customer requirements and market conditions, the company could increase transferred production volumes and broaden the range of products manufactured domestically. This flexible approach allows the organization to adapt its manufacturing footprint while continuing to support evolving customer expectations regarding supply security and local production.
Focus on Supply Chain Stability
Speaking about the initiative, President Doru Tașcă stated that the company aims to raise the proportion of domestic production in response to customer priorities centered on stable supply chains. The decision highlights the increasing importance of manufacturing localization within the automotive industry as suppliers and vehicle manufacturers seek greater resilience against disruptions while maintaining reliable component availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is ZF transferring electric parking brake production from China to Japan?
The production transfer is being carried out to strengthen supply chain stability and address customer demand for domestic manufacturing. Customers increasingly prioritize secure and resilient supply networks, prompting the company to localize production in Japan. By manufacturing electric parking brakes closer to customers, the company aims to improve supply continuity, reduce potential logistics risks, and enhance responsiveness to market requirements while supporting long-term operational flexibility.
How much production capacity is being moved to Japan?
The company plans to transfer production equivalent to approximately 550,000 vehicles per year, which corresponds to about 1.1 million electric parking brake units annually. This capacity will be relocated to the Miyoshi Plant in Hiroshima Prefecture. The move represents a significant manufacturing shift and forms part of the company's broader strategy to strengthen domestic production capabilities while meeting customer expectations for supply chain reliability and localized manufacturing operations.
Will ZF move additional products to Japan in the future?
The company has indicated that future expansion remains under consideration. Management plans to monitor customer requirements and market conditions before making further decisions. If demand supports additional localization efforts, production volumes could increase and more product lines may be transferred to Japan. This approach provides flexibility while allowing the company to gradually expand domestic manufacturing capabilities in line with customer needs and supply chain objectives.
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