Honeywell eyes automation division for growth in China

Honeywell International Inc, the Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing company, is targeting opportunities from the Chinese government's commitment to increasing energy efficiency and the safety of its workers, said Alex Ismail, the company's president and CEO of automation and control solutions.

Speaking at the recent opening of Honeywell's new plant in Nantong, Jiangsu province, which will serve as Honeywell's global glove research and development center, Ismail said: "Our goal is to grow at two to three times China's GDP growth."

He said the company will consider China its "second headquarters" for automation and control solutions activities, which will help it grow particularly in India, Russia, Turkey, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico and the Middle East.