Bionic ear implant manufacturer Cochlear will spend $50 million developing its first facility in China as it looks to service the fast growing market.

"Cochlear has been building its presence in China for more than 20 years and this investment recognises the importance of our business in China and will support the future growth of our emerging markets business," chief executive Chris Smith said.

"Together with high levels of government support for cochlear implantation in children, China has become a top five market for Cochlear and one of our fastest growing markets, with significant potential for ongoing gorwth."

Mr Smith said China had a skilled and growing profession of audiologists.

"We believe this investment should allow us to further extend our market position and deepen our commitment to China," he said.

"The new facility will have the capacity to increase our global cochlear implant production by around 50 per cent.

The move marks the first time Cochlear has built its own facility offshore.

The biotech giant has manufacturing facilities in the United States, Sweden and Belgium it owns following acquisitions.

More to come