Dell (DELL) is making a new investment that will add 200 new jobs at its China Design Centre this year.

"This expansion is an important next step for us to further enhance our global product innovation, and to support our business growth in China and around the world," said Michael Dell, the company's chairman of the board.

Dell began computer design work in China in July 2000. In July 2002, the company enhanced its development of desktop computers with the opening of the China Design Centre (CDC) in Shanghai.

Today, engineers at Dell's CDC are also innovating products and features for mobile computers and peripherals, along with component validation and software development. CDC is an extension of Dell's global engineering network.

Within China, Dell product shipments grew an industry-best 28% in the most-recent quarter while achieving leading profitability. In January, the company began shipping systems from its second manufacturing facility in Xiamen, China, to meet growing customer demand in China, Hong Kong and Japan.

Last year, Dell purchased nearly US$16 billion of technology components and other products from suppliers in China to support its worldwide manufacturing.