SECO/WARWICK China is entering the Year of the Horse at full gallop, as a change in the position of Managing Director of the Chinese subsidiary of the SECO/WARWICK Group will take place on March 1.
After nearly a decade of leading the branch, Liu Yedong is stepping down from this role. Over the years, he played a key role in the organization’s development in the Asian market. He will now serve as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of SECO/WARWICK China and Senior Advisor to the Operating Board, ensuring continuity and stability of leadership. Pan Gaojun will become the new Managing Director, taking over responsibility for the further development and operational activities of the company in China.
A New Chapter for SECO/WARWICK China
SECO/WARWICK China is a leading supplier of CAB technology lines (since 2010), vacuum furnaces (since 2012), and plasma brazing technology (since 2013) on the Asian market. The key segment for the Chinese branch is CAB, which accounts for over 50% of the business. The first device in the VME segment was built by the Chinese company in 2013, and since 2022 it has begun producing VIM equipment. In 2024, the company officially launched a comprehensive CAB R&D center in Asia, enabling process research and the development of new technologies. At the same time, the company also began production of Vector vacuum furnaces — the SECO/WARWICK Group’s flagship solution — making the Chinese branch a complete and key entity within the Group’s structure.
In recent years, the area of the Chinese facility has doubled to 10,000 m², and employment has grown from 29 to about 100 people. The company has already delivered 206 solutions: 133 CAB lines, 55 vacuum systems, and 18 solutions from other segments. The Chinese branch conducts commercial CAB technology trials and can annually produce about 20 CAB lines, 8-10 VAC vacuum furnaces, and 3-5 devices from the vacuum metallurgy segment. The solutions manufactured in Tianjin are used in industries such as automotive (53%), aerospace (27%), telecommunications, electronics, tools and molds, energy, rail transport, construction machinery, HVAC, and medical equipment.
“The new Managing Director has experience in management, business development, and international cooperation. His goal will be to further strengthen the company’s position in China, develop its technological offerings, and build stable relationships with key clients in the region. This change is a natural stage in the succession process within the organization and confirms the SECO/WARWICK Group’s long-term commitment to the Chinese market — one of the most important markets for heat treatment globally,” comments Sławomir Woźniak, CEO of the SECO/WARWICK Group.
Pan Gaojun, now the new Managing Director, knows the organization and SECO/WARWICK’s structure very well. He joined the Group in 2010 and has had a full career path, from administrative roles, through the sales department, to Director of Aftermarket. In the last two years, he served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of SECO/WARWICK China. This is a natural succession, and his experience and established position within the Group’s structures guarantee a smooth implementation of changes and continued growth.
Priorities for SECO/WARWICK China in 2026
“In the Year of the Horse, we are focusing on high operational discipline and further development of our technology portfolio. We want to be our clients’ first choice—this is the vision that will guide us in every project,” says Pan Gaojun, the new Managing Director of SECO/WARWICK China.
“The past years have been a time of flourishing for the Chinese company. However, we are not resting on our laurels. We have very concrete plans for further development. The key is to continue strengthening our position both in the CAB and vacuum segments. Emerging markets are now global leaders in development, and we want to be part of that. That’s why, for almost two years, we have been running a succession program for the managing director role. We chose someone who will ensure the continuation of our chosen direction and further growth of new business opportunities,” clarifies S. Woźniak. “At the same time, I would like to thank Liu for his contribution to the development of SECO/WARWICK in China, for his loyalty, and for consistently achieving our goals,” he added.
“I thank the team for years of working together, and the board for their trust, independence, and tremendous confidence. In my new role, I will support the transfer of knowledge and the continuity of relationships with clients so that SECO/WARWICK China continues its growth,” commented Liu Yedong, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of SECO/WARWICK China.
Liu Yedong has been associated with the SECO/WARWICK Group since June 2015, when he became Sales Director at SECO/WARWICK Retech Thermal Equipment Manufacturing (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. In 2017, he became the Managing Director of the company in China. Under his leadership, the company grew and expanded its participation in strategic projects across the aviation, automotive, and energy industries.
Liu Yedong will continue to play an important role within SECO/WARWICK’s structure, remaining Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Advisor to the Management Board.
