Digital cinema company Christie has opened a new manufacturing facility in Shenzhen, China.

The company said that the new facility will “significantly expand the company’s production capabilities.”

The Shenzhen factory will initially supply the Asia Pacific market. Christie noted that its Asia Pacific sales have grown more than 400% in the past year, including key pacts with DCK in South Korea, and a 375-projector deal with China Film Group.

“Assembly in China opens up significant new opportunities and shipping flexibility for Christie that will allow us to better serve all our customers around the world,” said Ihor Stech, Christie’s VP of Operations. “It is the ideal location because much of our raw material comes from the Asian region, so we can more efficiently convert them to final product. With the initial projectors feeding the markets in Asia, we will also save on import duties. Meanwhile, we can quickly deploy the projectors to meet demands around the world as needed.”

Also, as Cine Expo got underway today in Amsterdam, Christie announced that is has now shipped and installed more than 12,000 digital cinema projectors worldwide, representing a 65% market share. In addition to the Asian growth, recent notable deals include a 300-projector deal with German partner FTT.

Also here at Cine Expo, Christie will showcase its modular digital canvas, MicroTile, which is aimed at flexible digital signage such as lobby displays, retail or concession signage.

Several Cinema Expo screenings, including Toy Story 3, will employ Christie D-Cinema Series II projectors.

Richard Nye, Christie’s Cinema Sales Director in EMEA, said: “While visitors will still be able to find out the latest information on our Christie Series 2 projectors, exceptional market demand has enabled us to focus on MicroTiles, and provide exhibitors with a media display which sets new standards in the industry.”