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Ascential Technologies Welcomes Zhigang 'Manfred' Zhuang as Senior VP for APAC Region

On September 1, 2025, Ascential Technologies, a global leader in automated diagnostic, inspection, assembly, and testing systems, announced the appointment of Zhigang 'Manfred' Zhuang as the Senior Vice President for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Zhuang succeeds Tony Wu, who recently stepped down from his role, marking a significant transition for the company.

In his new position, Zhuang will play a pivotal role in driving growth in Asian markets and strengthening the company's regional partnerships. He takes charge of the transportation sector under Ascential's flagship automotive brand, Burke Porter. With over three decades of leadership experience in manufacturing and industry – particularly within the automotive sector – Zhuang brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in strategic growth, operational excellence, and international expansion.

Zhuang is known for his extensive experience in leading research and development initiatives for technical products and capital goods. Uwe Krüger, Senior Executive of Transport at Ascential Technologies, expressed confidence in Zhuang's capabilities, emphasizing his strong track record and ability to build high-performance teams: “We are grateful for Tony’s longstanding service and wish him all the best. With this transition, we look to the future with anticipation. Manfred’s experience in manufacturing and his entrepreneurial mindset are the perfect combination to take us to the next level.”

Zhigang Zhuang's career includes significant leadership roles within the automotive industry. Recently, he was essential in managing several Chinese plants, overseeing various departments, including sales, project management, quality assurance, and operations. His comprehensive global leadership experience includes substantial roles at renowned international automotive companies such as ThyssenKrupp, Joyson Group, Grammer AG, and Brose.

Fluent in English, Chinese, Japanese, and German, Zhuang's education bolsters his professional background. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Automation and Robotics from Shanghai University of Technology and an International MBA from the joint program between Fudan University and MIT Sloan School of Management. This diverse skill set uniquely positions Zhuang for his new leadership role.

About Ascential Technologies

Ascential Technologies (formerly known as Burke Porter Group) designs, develops, and automates complex diagnostic, inspection, and testing procedures for end markets in medical and life sciences, transportation, and test and measurement systems. With over 70 years of innovation, the company is dedicated to addressing the toughest, mission-critical challenges its customers face—challenges that can carry substantial costs if unaddressed.

Ascential has more than 2,300 experts across 40 locations, helping clients accelerate critical solution innovations, mitigate risks, and reduce time-to-market. A key element of the company’s success is its commitment to supporting clients throughout the entire product lifecycle—from conception to market release—with an unwavering focus on quality and safety.

Among its clientele are both leading Fortune 100 companies and innovative enterprises pushing the boundaries of technology. For more information, visit www.ascentialtech.com.