Tianjin, China – A significant leadership transition is underway at SECO/WARWICK China, a key player in the Asian market for industrial thermal processing systems. Effective March 1st, Pan Gaojun has assumed the role of Managing Director, succeeding Liu Yedong, who after nearly a decade at the helm, will transition to the position of Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Senior Advisor. This change, framed as a natural step in the company’s long-term strategy, signals a continued commitment to growth within the crucial Chinese market.
The move comes as SECO/WARWICK China experiences a period of expansion, having doubled its facility size to 10,000 square meters and significantly increasing its workforce from 29 to approximately 100 employees in recent years. The company specializes in Controlled Atmosphere Brazing (CAB) technology, vacuum furnaces, and plasma brazing solutions, with CAB accounting for over 50% of its business. This transition isn’t simply a change in leadership, but a continuation of momentum built over years of strategic investment and development in the region.
A Legacy of Growth and a Vision for the Future
Liu Yedong’s tenure as Managing Director, beginning in 2017, has been marked by substantial growth and expansion into key industries including aviation, automotive, and energy. He joined the SECO/WARWICK Group in June 2015 as Sales Director at SECO/WARWICK Retech Thermal Equipment Manufacturing (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the organization. Now, in his new advisory role, Liu Yedong will focus on ensuring a smooth handover and continuing to nurture key client relationships. “I thank the team for years of working together, and the board for their trust, independence, and tremendous confidence,” Liu Yedong commented, emphasizing his dedication to the continued success of SECO/WARWICK China.
Pan Gaojun, the incoming Managing Director, is not new to the SECO/WARWICK structure. He joined the Group in 2010, steadily progressing through administrative roles, the sales department, and ultimately serving as Director of Aftermarket before becoming Chief Operating Officer (COO) of SECO/WARWICK China for the past two years. This internal promotion underscores the company’s belief in fostering talent from within and ensures a seamless transition of leadership. According to Sławomir Woźniak, CEO of the SECO/WARWICK Group, Gaojun’s experience in “management, business development, and international cooperation” makes him ideally suited to strengthen the company’s position in China.
Expanding Capabilities and Market Focus
SECO/WARWICK China has been actively investing in its technological capabilities. In 2024, the company launched a comprehensive CAB Research & Development center in Asia, dedicated to process research and the development of new technologies. This investment complements the company’s existing production lines, which include CAB systems (since 2010), vacuum furnaces (since 2012), and plasma brazing technology (since 2013). More recently, since 2022, the company has begun producing VIM equipment, and in 2024 started manufacturing Vector vacuum furnaces – the SECO/WARWICK Group’s flagship product – solidifying its position as a complete and integral part of the Group’s global operations.
The company’s output is substantial, having delivered 206 solutions to date: 133 CAB lines, 55 vacuum systems, and 18 solutions from other segments. SECO/WARWICK China’s solutions are utilized across a diverse range of industries, including automotive (53%), aerospace (27%), telecommunications, electronics, tools and molds, energy, rail transport, construction machinery, HVAC, and medical equipment. The Tianjin facility has the capacity to produce approximately 20 CAB lines, 8-10 VAC vacuum furnaces, and 3-5 vacuum metallurgy devices annually, and also conducts commercial CAB technology trials.
Priorities for 2026 and Beyond
Looking ahead, Pan Gaojun has outlined a clear vision for SECO/WARWICK China. “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,” he stated. This focus aligns with the broader strategy of the SECO/WARWICK Group, which recognizes the importance of the Chinese market – one of the most significant globally for heat treatment technologies.
Sławomir Woźniak emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to China, noting that the succession plan was put in place nearly two years ago to ensure a smooth transition and continued growth. “We chose someone who will ensure the continuation of our chosen direction and further growth of new business opportunities,” he said. The company’s continued investment in research and development, coupled with a strong internal leadership pipeline, positions SECO/WARWICK China for sustained success in the dynamic Asian market.
The next key milestone for SECO/WARWICK China will be the continued implementation of its 2026 strategy, with a focus on strengthening its position in both the CAB and vacuum segments. The company will also be closely monitoring emerging market trends to identify new opportunities for growth and innovation.
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