LIXIL Opens International Competence Center in Guangzhou to Accelerate Product Development

GUANGZHOU, CHINA – July 2, 2025 – LIXIL Corporation (“LIXIL”, TSE Code: 5938), maker of pioneering water and housing products, hosted the grand opening of its International Competence Center (ICC) in Guangzhou today. This cross-functional R&D hub will accelerate innovation through deeper collaboration with Chinese suppliers and integration of global expertise.  

Kinya Seto, President and CEO of LIXIL, emphasized China’s strategic role in LIXIL’s innovation capabilities: "China isn’t just one of LIXIL’s key markets – it’s where many of our innovative ideas originate. The ICC marks a significant milestone in strengthening local development and global innovation collaboration, advancing our commitment to make better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere." 

Strategically positioned within South China’s kitchen and bathroom industry cluster, the center leverages Guangzhou’s robust manufacturing ecosystem and supply chain networks to enhance speed-to-market.  

Integrated Capabilities for International Innovation

The 1,654-square-meter ICC features advanced labs for product testing, material analysis, and technical validation – supporting brands like GROHE and American Standard. Designed for international markets, it streamlines development from consumer insights to supply chain delivery through cross-team collaboration. The center will also cultivate talent with international perspectives and multidisciplinary skills.  

Bijoy Mohan, Leader of LIXIL International, added: "This hub enhances our R&D agility and cross-border co-creation. By integrating international engineers with local suppliers and resources, we can rapidly translate consumer insights into solutions for international markets."

Responding to Market Evolution

The opening of this strategic new facility comes as China’s kitchen and bath industry experiences surging innovation, driven by growing consumer demand for AI integration and health-focused features. Adele Tao, Leader of LIXIL Water Technology Greater China, noted: "Chinese consumers are passionate about new technologies. The ICC enables us to harness these insights, keeping people at the heart of innovation to improve everyday life and bring more China-led solutions to the world."

The Guangzhou ICC complements the Asia R&D hub in Shanghai, sharing supplier networks and technical expertise. LIXIL China, headquartered in Shanghai, operates seven factories and five sales offices across China, supported by the LIXIL Experience Center in Shanghai.