On May 19, 2026, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of SOFIMA Automotive Filters (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., the first wholly owned UFI manufacturing site in China. This milestone represents far more than an industrial success story: it reflects the evolution of a journey that has transformed our local presence into a global engine of innovation.
Founded in 1996, SOFIMA Shanghai has grown alongside the Chinese automotive market, supporting every stage of its transformation: from internal combustion engines to the new era of electrified and sustainable mobility.
Today, we develop and manufacture integrated solutions in filtration, thermal management, and next-generation mobility technologies, responding with speed, quality, and reliability to the challenges of both global and local automotive manufacturers (OEMs).
From Localization to Leadership: A Glocal Vision
From Shanghai, we have built a strong and diversified presence over time, with seven manufacturing sites across China and one of the Group’s three global Innovation Centers, a strategic hub for worldwide research and development.
We operate across fields ranging from traditional filtration to thermal management, from battery cooling and electric drive systems to hydrogen technologies.
Here, we transform local expertise into global innovation, embodying our “global vision, local action” approach: anticipating market needs and developing solutions capable of generating tangible value today and in the future.
Our Story: From Transferred Technology to Innovation Created in China
Giorgio Girondi, Chairman of UFI Group, stated:
“SOFIMA Shanghai, founded in 1996, was the Group’s first wholly owned industrial site in China. It marked a fundamental milestone in a journey that began in the early 1980s, when we provided technology and licenses to the Chinese government. Today, the SOFIMA Shanghai plant remains one of our most valuable strategic assets and represents part of our DNA: the ability to evolve, anticipate change, and transform every challenge into an opportunity. Over the past three decades, it has witnessed the rapid development of China’s automotive industry and supported UFI Group’s evolution from a company bringing technology to China to one developing innovation in China for global markets.”
Our Chairman also confirmed that China represents a strategic market for the Group’s future growth and that UFI will continue investing in the country, growing together with the Chinese automotive sector.
Local Innovation and International Vision
Simone Trazzi, CEO of UFI Asia Pacific and India, said:
“The SOFIMA Shanghai plant represents an important foundation of UFI’s industrial system and corporate culture in China. Over the past 30 years, the site has built a strong base of local talent and developed extensive experience in localized manufacturing, research and development collaboration, and customer service. Guided by UFI Group’s ‘Glocal’ approach — ‘global vision, local action’ — SOFIMA Shanghai will continue adapting to the speed and quality requirements of the Chinese market and contributing to the sustainable development of the new energy vehicle industry through advanced technologies.”
Looking Ahead: Innovation Without Limits
After 30 years, SOFIMA Shanghai continues to represent a key benchmark for our development in China and worldwide.
We continue investing in:
- technological innovation
- manufacturing excellence
- sustainable solutions for next-generation mobility
Because our commitment is clear: to go beyond filtration boundaries and create solutions that improve lives and help build the future.
