PALFINGER Around the Globe: Welcome to Qingdao, China
Where PALFINGER combines decades of boatbuilding know-how with impressive output.
In an interconnected world, the strength of a leading technology and mechanical engineering company such as PALFINGER is not only defined by its portfolio of exceptional solutions, but also by its sprawling network of international production facilities. These locations are more than mere dots on a map – they are veins running with innovation and quality. Join us on a journey exploring our marine-related production sites to find out how their distinct expertise continually contributes to our long success story.
Our journey continues in Qingdao, where approximately 60 employees work on premises covering roughly 20,000 square meters. The facility was launched in 1999 and subsequently acquired by PALFINGER in 2016. It now comprises an office building, two workshops and its own testing pool for comprehensive in-house testing and quality assurance. As always, the best way to get a feel for a place is to ask a local. We met up with Lv “Summer” Wenhui, the managing director of the facility, to find out more about everyday operations and what life entails in the port city situated in Shandong Province.
Welcome to Qingdao
Summer joined PALFINGER in 2004 and held an array of different positions before being promoted to managing director in 2017. Hence, she is the perfect person to provide us with insights across the board. “Our plant produces a broad range of products, including lifeboats, tender boats, and fast rescue boats, as well as stainless steel hooks, lifting buckets made of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), GRP covers for davits, GRP covers for wind cranes, and spare parts required for maintenance,” Summer explains. “Highly professional, well-trained employees and standardized working procedures have made us the number one choice for the majority of high-end shipowners and shipyards,” she beams with visible pride.
Summer is clearly keen to elaborate on the processes established at the plant: “Over the years, we have compiled extensive check lists that cover all phases of manufacturing from incoming goods to post-production. Everyone knows exactly what to do and pulls in the same direction. Naturally, we also obtained all relevant ISO certificates and Class Approvals to ensure highest quality standards.” She is, however, also quick to point out that PALFINGER is not only dedicated to delivering product excellence, but the company is also committed to employee safety: “Regular emergency drills – including topics such as fire, lifting accidents, and chemical spills – keep us safe in all imaginable scenarios.”
Challenges met with dedication
When asked about the most challenging product requests during her tenure, Summer is, despite the plant’s rich history of production milestones across our entire portfolio, quick to point to a successfully completed project. “We built six units of our CTL57 tender lifeboat, which is the most elaborate of its kind on the market. This was our first time building it, and the timeframe we have been given was limited. This boat features wallpaper, vinyl flooring, TVs, oak decorations, padded folding chairs, and LED lighting, so it’s different to what we have been used to in the past. Yet every challenge is manageable with dedicated production employees and optimal support on operational, technical, and procurement level. Luckily, we have all that here in Qingdao. And let’s not forget our supporting team within the group, operations, engineering, logistics, and beyond.”
?ts=1782205504710&dpr=off "PALFINGER Qingdao")
?ts=1782205504724&dpr=off "PALFINGER Qingdao")
?ts=1782205504739&dpr=off "PALFINGER Qingdao")
Product excellence boosts order volume
Summer is also proud to confirm that our Qingdao plant handles its own testing: “Every boat is tested extensively in the factory itself, on land, and at sea. We even have our own testing pool. Speed, leakage, and functionality – we make sure that every solution reaches our demanding customers in optimal shape.”
This dedication to excellence is reflected in the factory’s output. In 2025 alone, the facility delivered a staggering 2,585 products – 38 boats, 1,439 hooks, 832 spare parts, and more than 276 GRP units. At the same time, the team successfully handled three new types of boats, all delivered to satisfied clients. “You don’t post those kinds of numbers on the board without an excellent team and utmost commitment to quality management,” Summer beams.
On a more personal note, Summer is open to sharing how much the Qingdao facility means to her: “This factory has earned a very special place in my heart. So many of us have been here for years and shared experiences, both personal and professional. We have been through a great deal together. This group is experienced, dedicated, loyal, open-minded, and – most importantly – happy. I am incredibly proud to work with them.” As a global family, we as PALFINGER couldn’t agree more.
We hope you enjoyed discovering our marine production site in Qingdao. Join us as we continue our journey to the next location in our global network.