MANN+HUMMEL, a major supplier of filtration products for the automobile parts industry, has recently started a plant in Jiading District in northwest Shanghai, which is the biggest in its global footprint.

The plant in the Shanghai Auto City has a total investment of 40 million euros (US$49 million).

It includes the German company's manufacturing facilities, research and development center, after-sale warehouses as well as its Chinese headquarters.

Patrick Cudmore, the group's vice president and chief executive officer of Asia region, said the establishment of the plant represents the company's long-term commitment to China and the Asian markets.

"It brings us a big step closer to one of the strongest auto parts suppliers in China as we are capable of meeting demands of local consumers in the future," he said.

The company plans to add another 30,000 square meters space at the plant for a second phase construction during 2012 to 2013.

Established in 1941, Mann+Hummel has been diversifying its business scope to many industries and it has 12,400 employees in 41 countries and regions.