Kangkela in Xiangcheng, Suzhou: This Mercedes-Benz production line is “Made in the Economic Development Zone”

Recently, the Suzhou Xiangcheng Economic Development Zone has once again celebrated a major achievement in the high-end equipment manufacturing sector: the fully automated assembly line for Mercedes-Benz transmission valve bodies, independently developed by Suzhou Kangkela Automation Technology Co., Ltd., has successfully completed commissioning and has been delivered to the Beijing Benz plant. This intelligent production line, which boasts exceptional flexibility, end-to-end traceability, and comprehensive quality control across all processes, will not only provide a powerful boost to the localized production of Mercedes-Benz’s latest engine models but also stand as another flagship example of “Xiangcheng Intelligent Manufacturing.”

15 stations operate automatically, requiring only one monitor.

Stepping into Kangkela’s assembly workshop, one can see that this “heavy-duty” production line stretches approximately 30 meters in length and 6 meters in width, with a total of 15 workstations. Remarkably, the entire complex, precision‑driven assembly line requires only a single operator to carry out fully automated processing and assembly from start to finish.

The production line is equipped with four industrial robots that, through coordinated multi‑robot operations, can automatically perform the entire process—from laser marking and precision adhesive dispensing to leak testing, bolt tightening, and comprehensive visual inspection—while maintaining exceptionally high operational stability. More importantly, this line overcomes the traditional limitation of “dedicated lines for dedicated products” by employing a flexible tooling and positioning system, enabling automatic on‑line switching between valve bodies of multiple specifications. With each program change, the product type is instantly reconfigured, effectively eliminating the significant downtime and losses associated with conventional model‑change procedures.

“This project was custom‑designed specifically to support Mercedes-Benz’s localization efforts. From receiving the order at the end of March to completing delivery in late July, the entire cycle took just four months,” said Chen Yali, the company’s project director. She added that this pace ranks among the fastest in the industry, and many industry peers, after visiting the facility, have repeatedly praised both the production line’s manufacturing processes and its technological sophistication.

“One product, one code” on the cloud, with end-to-end traceability.

If the fully automated “hands and feet” are the foundation, then the intelligent “brain” is the very soul of this production line.

This production line is equipped with an information‑tracking system independently developed by Kangkele, achieving a deep integration of “automated manufacturing and digital management.” Leveraging IoT modules, the system assigns each product a digital “identity card,” enabling end‑to‑end recording of critical parameters such as production time, workstation traversed, adhesive application volume, tightening torque, and cleanliness levels.

“All data can be stored for three years, and by simply entering the product’s barcode, you can retrieve the corresponding production information with a single click.” According to Chen Yali, this system fully meets the stringent requirements of high-end OEMs for end-to-end product traceability and auditing. In addition, the system supports capacity reporting and real-time monitoring of production status, enabling automated sorting and rework of defective items, thereby ensuring that the yield of conforming finished products remains consistently stable and under control.

“A top performer in going global,” winning fans through sheer merit.

The swift launch of this Mercedes-Benz production line may appear to be a “blitz,” but in reality, it is the result of Kangkele’s nearly decade-long, painstaking efforts in the automation sector.

From securing an overseas order by developing a cross‑bar welding machine for Belgium’s SO Group, to making its debut at the BMW Exhibition in Germany and competing alongside global industry giants, to launching its independently developed “Silkworm Automated Feeding System” that bridges sectors to empower smart agriculture, Kangkela has consistently upheld the philosophy of “Innovative Technology, Smart Manufacturing for the Future.” Today, the company has amassed nearly 180 proprietary intellectual property rights, including 31 granted invention patents, and its equipment is exported to European markets such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and France, earning the trust of customers worldwide.

“Their equipment not only meets our technical requirements but also fully complies with European standards. Conclave boasts an outstanding team of engineers who consistently turn concepts and specifications into practical, real‑world solutions.” As a long‑term partner has noted, thanks to its robust capabilities in customized R&D and rapid delivery, Conclave is steadily raising the banner of “Made in Jingkai” across the globe.

The confidence of enterprises to innovate and boldly explore stems not only from their robust technological capabilities but also from the region’s favorable business environment. In recent years, the Xiangcheng Economic Development Zone has remained firmly focused on high-quality development, proactively cultivating three pillar industries—automotive electronics and components, intelligent equipment, and new materials. Through initiatives such as the “Xiangxinli” enterprise service brand and regular government–enterprise dialogue meetings, it provides comprehensive support across the entire corporate lifecycle. The rapid growth of Kangkela is a vivid testament to the zone’s meticulous efforts to nurture high-tech enterprises and foster deep integration between the innovation chain and the industrial chain.

Every precise motion of the robotic arms on the production line is a powerful pulse propelling “Jingkai Manufacturing” toward “Jingkai Intelligent Manufacturing.” Looking ahead, the Xiangcheng Economic Development Zone will continue to strengthen policy support and service infrastructure, helping more enterprises like Kangkele break through key technological barriers and, through mutual collaboration, enable an increasing number of high-end equipment solutions to go global and compete on the world stage.