ShanghaiJune 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Knauf, a global leader in gypsum building materials, recently marked a significant milestone: Mr. Murat Akyildiz, Global Partner of Knauf, along with Knauf Asia-Pacific senior executives, embarked on an in-depth visit to China. Concurrently, the Knauf Building Space Experience Center in Wuhu, Anhui Province, officially opened its doors. These dual events underscore the core strategic position of the Chinese market in Knauf’s global landscape and signal a new phase in the brand’s three-decade-long local cultivation in China.
An In-Depth Journey Across China
Mr. Murat Akyildiz’s visit to China covered Knauf’s core industrial footprint in the country, delving into five major production bases in Tianjin, Tai’an, Wuhu, Taicang, and Shanghai to inspect the advanced level and capacity layout of the Chinese manufacturing system. From North China to East China, from intelligent production lines to green factories, Knauf China presented a standout report on high-quality development to global management, showcasing international manufacturing standards and a comprehensive industrial chain.
During this trip, Mr. Murat Akyildiz also made a special visit to building materials markets in North and East China, gaining firsthand insights into the terminal channel ecosystem and engaging in face-to-face discussions with core distributors. In talks with distributor representatives, the delegation was delighted to discover that many first-generation distributors, who had entered the market alongside Knauf to jointly develop it, have now passed their businesses on to the second generation. Three decades of partnership have witnessed the complete growth journey of these distributors, from entrepreneurial beginnings to succession by the next generation. This is not merely a transfer of business but a deep bond forged through years of growing together with Knauf. As a company that has itself undergone generational succession and is built on family spirit, Knauf resonates profoundly with this experience. Mr. Murat Akyildiz stated, “Distributors are a vital cornerstone of Knauf’s global business. Our relationship with Chinese distributor partners goes beyond commerce; they are close partners with whom we grow together. Seeing so many second-generation distributor families take over their parents’ endeavors fills me with genuine pride. Knauf is willing to work with every partner to pass on this business and spirit from generation to generation.”
Wuhu Exhibition Center Receives High Praise
The highlight of the China visit was the grand opening of the new Knauf Wuhu Building Space Experience Center. As a milestone in Knauf China’s three-decade-long cultivation, the experience center, upgraded from an existing building, features a five-in-one immersive display system integrating “brand + product + system + scenario + interaction.” This completely breaks the static limitations of traditional showrooms, setting a new benchmark for display and technology empowerment in the domestic building materials industry.
After an in-depth tour, Mr. Murat Akyildiz gave high praise: “The level of innovation and depth of display at the Wuhu Experience Center are not only unparalleled in the Asia-Pacific region but also exemplary within Knauf’s global system. It transcends the scope of a product showroom, representing a perfect fusion of brand philosophy, technical expertise, and local wisdom. I am delighted to see the Chinese team’s profound understanding and creative expression of the brand spirit.”
China Market: Asia-Pacific Core, Global Engine
During multiple exchanges on his China visit, Mr. Murat Akyildiz repeatedly emphasized the critical importance of the Chinese market to Knauf’s global strategy. He noted that China is not only the earliest market Knauf entered in the Asia-Pacific region with the most comprehensive layout but also a key engine driving global innovation and practice. “Thirty years ago, Knauf chose Wuhu as its first stop in China—a visionary decision. Looking back three decades later, the growth rate, innovation capacity, and steadfast commitment to sustainable development in the Chinese market have far exceeded our initial expectations.”
Mr. Murat Akyildiz further stated that amid the profound evolution of the current global economic landscape, Knauf remains firmly optimistic about the long-term development prospects of the Chinese market. “China continues to advance new urbanization, with growing demand for green building materials and high-quality building spaces. This aligns perfectly with Knauf’s brand mission, ‘Build On Us, Live Up to Trust, Build the Future Together.’ We have no reason not to continue increasing our investment in China.”
During this visit, the delegation deeply felt the vibrant internationalization aspirations of Chinese enterprises—some strategic key accounts are actively expanding into overseas markets. Knauf’s mature business network, covering over 90 countries and regions worldwide, serves as a reliable support force for Chinese partners on their global journey. No matter where our clients’ businesses extend, Knauf’s global presence will continue to empower and provide full support throughout the process.
Three Decades of Deep Cultivation, Unwavering Progress
In 1995, Knauf officially entered the Chinese market starting from Wuhu, becoming the first foreign-invested gypsum board company to establish a production base in China. Over the past thirty-plus years, the brand has grown from a single factory to a nationwide network of seven production bases and a comprehensive sales and service system, deeply integrating into the high-quality development process of China’s construction industry.
The opening of the Wuhu Experience Center and the global partner’s visit to China mark another significant milestone in Knauf China’s development journey. Starting from Wuhu, supported by a national manufacturing network, and leveraging global technical expertise, Knauf will continue to empower industry development with high-quality building solutions and build a sustainable future together with its partners.