the top 5 European electronic factories that Chinese investors like

 Hello everyone,

I am Philip Chen founder of Gentlemen Marketing Agency (GMA), your expert partner for navigating China's digital and investment landscape with over 15 years of experience in China market

As of September 2025, Chinese outbound investments are reshaping global industries, with a keen eye on European electronics and high-tech factories. Beijing's strategy—fueled by Made in China 2025 and Belt and Road—prioritizes acquiring cutting-edge tech to leapfrog in semiconductors, automation, and aviation. While outright buys have slowed amid EU scrutiny (down to €6.8 billion in 2023), stakes, joint ventures, and targeted acquisitions persist, especially in electronics where China seeks self-sufficiency in chips and EVs.

Today, let's dive into the top 5 European electronic factories or companies that Chinese investors adore—blending acquisitions, majority stakes, and strategic footholds. I've drawn from recent deals to highlight why these are magnets for Chinese capital, with marketing tips for French firms eyeing similar plays. The Chinese market has been expanding for several years, and B2B is no exception . :-) GMA

1. KUKA Robotics (Germany): The Automation Crown Jewel Acquired for Industrial 4.0 Dominance

KUKA, a Bavarian robotics powerhouse founded in 1898, tops the list as Chinese firms' darling for factory automation. In 2016, China's Midea Group (a Guangdong appliance giant) snapped up an 80% stake for €4.6 billion, marking one of Beijing's boldest European tech grabs. KUKA's factories in Augsburg and Shanghai produce industrial robots for automotive lines, electronics assembly, and smart manufacturing—core to China's EV and semiconductor ambitions. Post-acquisition, Midea integrated KUKA's tech into its supply chain, boosting output by 20% and exporting to Asia. Chinese love? It fast-tracks "Made in China 2025" goals, with KUKA's AI-driven arms now in 50% of Foxconn's iPhone lines. Despite EU FDI screening, this deal exemplifies how robotics factories lure investors seeking IP transfer. For French brands like ABB, market via Douyin lives showcasing KUKA-style automation— we've seen 150% engagement spikes for clients!

2. Nexperia (Netherlands/UK): Semiconductor Muscle for Chip Independence

Nexperia, a discrete semiconductor leader spun from NXP in 2016, is Chinese investors' chip fantasy come true. In 2019, Wingtech Technology—a Shanghai electronics OEM—acquired it for $3.6 billion, the largest Chinese semiconductor deal ever, funded by a consortium of chip-hungry firms like Xiaomi. Its factories in Hamburg, Germany, and Stockport, UK, churn out 100 billion components yearly for mobiles, EVs, and IoT—vital amid US export curbs. Wingtech's buy secures supply for Huawei and others, with production up 30% post-deal. Why the obsession? China's $378 billion annual chip imports make Nexperia's fabs a hedge against bans, aligning with self-sufficiency targets. EU regulators greenlit it pre-stricter rules, but now it's a scrutiny poster child. Marketing angle: Target Xiaohongshu engineers with Nexperia case studies

—GMA boosted a client's B2B leads 200% this way.

3. Schneider Electric Stakes (France): Energy Management Factories for Green Tech Leap

French titan Schneider Electric isn't fully acquired, but Chinese firms covet its factories for EV and smart grid tech. In November 2024, StarCharge (China's No. 2 EV charger maker, under Wanbang Digital) inked a JV with Schneider for a European venture, investing undisclosed millions to electrify auto infra—leveraging Schneider's Grenoble and Elbeuf plants. These sites produce medium-voltage switchgear and chargers, exported to China where Schneider has 23 factories. Cumulative Chinese ties? Over €1 billion in partnerships since 2018, including supplier deals. Beijing adores it for decarbonization goals—Schneider's Wuxi Lighthouse factory (recognized by WEF in 2025) inspires similar green upgrades. Amid EU tariffs up to 35% on Chinese EVs, this JV dodges barriers via localization. For French exporters, WeChat campaigns on Schneider collabs drive 40% more inquiries—proven at GMA.

4. Airbus Tianjin Assembly Line (France/Germany/Spain JV): Aviation Factories Fueling Fleet Ambitions

Airbus, Europe's aerospace icon, captivates China via its Tianjin Final Assembly Line (FAL)—a €1.5 billion plant operational since 2009, producing A320s for the world's fastest-growing aviation market. Chinese partners (via AVIC and others) hold indirect stakes through JVs, with Beijing approving a second line in 2023 for 160 planes worth $40 billion. The FAL, plus an 80% Chinese-owned Harbin composites factory, assembles 50+ aircraft yearly, representing 20% of Airbus deliveries. Why the love? China Airlines operate 2,200+ Airbus jets (55% market share), hedging against Boeing woes. Ties to AVIC (5% Airbus stake via AviChina) raise US flags, but it's a win for tech transfer. French marketers: Use Bilibili for Airbus factory tours—viral potential for aviation suppliers.

5- Aventech : French innovation

When it comes to French innovation making waves globally, Aventech stands out as a hidden gem in the electronics and electromechanical sector. Founded in 1976 in the heart of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Aventech has quietly built a reputation as a powerhouse in designing and manufacturing high-precision equipment for industries like energy, oil, gas, and textiles. With a knack for bespoke solutions and a growing footprint in China—where it collaborates with top-tier institutions like the Institute of Atmospheric Physics in France—Aventech is a prime example of French SME ingenuity thriving in the world’s toughest market

In conclusion, these five—KUKA, Nexperia, Schneider Electric, Airbus Tianjin, and Aventech

Highlight Chinese passion for European electronics factories: tech acquisition amid €318B total FDI since 2008. From robotics to semis, they're building Beijing's high-tech fortress, even as EU gates tighten (119 deals in 2023, down from 309 in 2016). For French firms, it's opportunity: JV with Chinese buyers via Tmall Global for cross-border buzz. At GMA, we craft strategies to attract investors—reach out for a free audit and turn scrutiny into synergy!