SDF launches new electrification hub for agricultural machinery in China

In the world of agrimachinery, it’s fair to say that ‘China is closer than ever.’ This wordplay perfectly captures the current state of our industry, where Chinese players are playing an increasingly central role. We witnessed this firsthand at the last Agritechnica, where Far Eastern manufacturers were out in force with highly diversified offerings. Now, the SDF (SAME Deutz-Fahr Group) is reinforcing this trend by opening a new strategic hub in China, designed to leverage local expertise in electrification and accelerate innovation.

Essentially, this will be an Electric Platform Competence Centre, marking a significant step in SDF’s international expansion and technological roadmap. The hub aims to tap into the high-level expertise found in one of the world’s leading industrial regions for electrical innovation, integrating it with SDF’s established technical heritage.

SDF in China. The Shanghai-Based Center

The Shanghai-based center will focus on technological development with a specific emphasis on electrification—a strategic pillar for the future of agricultural machinery. By leveraging SDF’s leadership in the specialized tractor segment, the goal is to drive innovation forward and maintain a competitive edge in high-complexity market segments.

By leveraging the electrical expertise already internalized within SDF—partly through the recent acquisition of VitiBot—the new hub will support the Group’s R&D centers in developing advanced solutions. This initiative fosters the integration of global know-how with highly specialized local skills.

”The inauguration of the new Competence Centre in Shanghai represents a strategic investment for the future of SDF,” stated Lodovico Bussolati, CEO of SDF. “This hub allows us to move even closer to one of the world’s most dynamic environments for technological innovation. By valuing high-profile local expertise and strengthening the development of electrification solutions, we are ensuring full continuity with the growth and technological integration path already underway at SDF.”

The Shanghai Competence Centre will operate in close synergy with the Group’s other R&D hubs, contributing to the development of innovative and sustainable technologies tailored to the needs of international markets, with the goal of supporting SDF’s long-term competitiveness. With this opening, SDF confirms its commitment to investing in innovation, internationalization, and technological development, reinforcing its leading role in the transition toward increasingly efficient and sustainable solutions.