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Ascential Technologies Appoints New APAC VP

Ascential Technologies, a leading global provider of automated systems for diagnostics, inspection, assembly, and testing, has officially announced the appointment of Zhigang "Manfred" Zhuang as Senior Vice President of Transportation for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This strategic move comes as previous director Tony Wu retires, allowing Zhuang to step into this pivotal role aimed at enhancing growth across Asian markets and fortifying the company’s regional partnerships.

Background on Zhuang

Zhuang holds over 30 years of extensive leadership experience across various sectors, particularly in manufacturing and the automotive industry. His previous roles include overseeing operations in several manufacturing plants in China, where he managed teams including sales, project management, R&D, security, and general operations. His deep understanding of the automotive landscape, coupled with his history at prominent firms such as ThyssenKrupp and Brose, positions him uniquely for success in this new role at Ascential Technologies.

Uwe Krueger, the Executive Vice President of Transportation, expressed confidence in Zhuang's leadership abilities, stating, "Manfred’s entrepreneurial mindset and his skill in building high-performance teams make him the ideal candidate to lead us towards ambitious targets in Asia. We’re excited to have him aboard and look forward to the growth he is bound to inspire."

A Vision for Growth

In his new capacity, Zhuang will be at the helm of the transportation operations under Ascential Technologies’ flagship automotive brand, Burke Porter. His responsibilities will encompass driving strategic growth initiatives, operational excellence, and fostering international expansion. Zhuang’s approach promises not just to leverage existing partnerships but to develop new avenues for collaboration that will enhance Ascential’s market reach.

Moreover, given the complexities of the automotive market in Asia, Zhuang’s experience with R&D management for engineering products and capital goods can be a vital asset in streamlining the development process and expediting time-to-market for innovative solutions.

Multilingual and Multidisciplinary Expertise

A significant advantage Zhuang brings to Ascential is his multilingual proficiency. He is fluent in English, Chinese, Japanese, and German, allowing him to engage with diverse stakeholders across the APAC region seamlessly. His academic background, which includes a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Automation and Robotics from Shanghai University of Technology and an International MBA jointly issued by Fudan University and MIT's Sloan School of Management, further complements his technical and managerial capabilities.

About Ascential Technologies

Previously known as Burke Porter Group, Ascential Technologies specializes in designing, developing, and automating complex diagnostic, inspection, and testing processes across critical end markets, including medical sciences, transportation, and test measurement systems. With over 70 years in the industry, Ascential has built a global presence supported by a team of over 2,300 professionals operating from 40 locations. The firm is dedicated to guiding its clients throughout each phase of the product lifecycle, emphasizing quality and safety to mitigate risks and enhance competitive differentiation.

Zhuang's appointment is not only a significant corporate transition but a signal of Ascential's commitment to driving innovation and maintaining its leadership position in an evolving market landscape. As the company continues to tackle the critical challenges faced by its clientele, Zhuang’s influence is expected to catalyze significant advancements and partnerships in the APAC region.

As the company embarks on this new chapter under Zhuang's leadership, stakeholders and clients eagerly await the positive impacts of his expertise and vision for the future.