2019 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Rockford/Changzhou sister city relationship. On September 20, Changzhou sister city delegation—including president of Changzhou Investment Group Co. Ltd Mr. Chen Limin, deputy director of Changzhou Municipal Development and Reform Commission Mr. Wang Daocheng, executive vice chief of Changzhou Tianning District People’s Government Mr. Zheng Ya, chairman of Changchai Company Limited Mr. Shi Xinkun, and division chief of the North American and Oceanian Division of Foreign Affairs Office of Changzhou Government Ms. Zheng Yao—visited Rockford and Bergstrom Headquarters in the U.S.

On the morning of September 20, Changzhou sister city delegation visited Bergstrom’s headquarters located in Rockford, Illinois.  The group was greeted by Bergstrom Chairman Mr. Dave Rydell, Chief Procurement Officer Mr. Mark Meegan, Vice President of Global Engineering Mr. John Bracey, and President of Bergstrom China Mr. Patrick Bai.

Accompanied by Bergstrom Inc operation manager, the delegates also toured the HVAC assembly lines, the lab and the show room.


The delegates applauded Bergstrom China for the development and accomplishments it has achieved over the past two decades, and recognized the company’s strategy of developing environmental-friendly technologies. The head of the delegation said the Changzhou government will strongly support the company’s development.


Next in the busy schedule, the delegation had a trip to Rockford city hall to meet with the local government officials in the company of the president of Bergstrom China Patrick Bai. Rockford city administrator Mr. Todd Cagnoni and Rockford community & economic development director Mr. Karl Franzen welcomed the delegation.



Mr. Cagnoni said that he was very glad to see the remarkable development of Bergstrom China in the city of Changzhou and would continue to support Bergstrom Inc’s investment and activities there. Through discussions, both sides had a better idea of the economic developments and business environments of each other's cities. The head of the delegation pointed out that Changzhou and Rockford were both manufacturing cities and it would be beneficial to explore more business opportunities between the two cities.

He also noted that it had been nearly 20 years since the official ties between Rockford and Changzhou were forged in 1999. He invited the Rockford government officials to visit Changzhou and attend the 20th anniversary celebration events next year in order to boost communication and strengthen friendship. Mr. Cagnoni said he appreciated the invitation and would look into the possibility of organizing a delegation to make the visit.