ST. LOUIS – Viasystems is investing $100 million to expand production at three large plants and closing one leased facility in China, say published reports.

Chief executive David Sindelar hopes customers accept “high single- to mid-double-digit” price increases, as a result of the high price of copper and increasing Chinese wages, which are still lower in comparison to the US rates, he told a local newspaper.

The printed circuit board fabricator has experienced minimum wage increases of 18 to 20% since 2010, in addition to higher health care and retirement taxes, affecting profits.

Viasystems also operates plants in Oregon and California, which the PCB fabricator acquired last year when it purchased Merix.

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