David Brown landmark in China venture

The Huddersfield-based business, celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, set up the JV with 18m last year to focus on the fast-growing wind energy and high-speed rail markets.

Its partner is Changzhou Railcar Propulsion R&D Center, an established manufacturer of rail propulsion systems and complete wind turbines.

Production at the new company, Jiangsu Shinri David Brown Gear Systems, started in January.

Mark Hollingworth, of David Brown China, said: "The massive pace of the Chinese rail and wind energy markets allows us to accelerate our learning and position ourselves as leaders in our field, ready for the roll-out of sustainable technologies around the globe."