Archive for April, 2010

Today we went to see a plastics specialist injection moulding factory based and hour from chouzhou. Erny, from our Quanzhou has been driving us around, and he is braving the Chinese roads again to take us there. This visit was for one of our clients who is working in specialist plastic materials; including being heavily involved in plastics re-cycling. They basically source waste plastic from all over the world; including PET, PP, and LDPE. They bring them all to the one site, where a custom designed ‘sorter’ machine (imported from Denmark) separates them into individual types. These are then taken to other floors in the factory and processed into granules’ for injection moulding.

The factory is only 20% operational and is brand new. The site covers approx. 250, 000 sq. Feet; and has cost 50million dollars to get to operational. A very impressive set-up, that will be a fantastic facility when fully operational.

The factory also specialise in a special bio-degradable plastic, which is imported and produces bio-degradable products for shipment all over the world. Although we are looking at different products, at present it is mainly used for plastic cups and food trays…we look forward to a return visit with our clients to develop their product to production with them.

This afternoon we went back into Chouzhou, and visited 2 ceramic factories that specialise in table ware and ceramic mugs. Mug factories tend to be based in northern china around Ningbo, so we are taking the opportunity to visit them while we are in the area. They were both of a high standard, and will be developing items with both factories in the future. The second is a tableware manufacturer, again from the show who have a really nice range of ceramic and silicon combined products selling in big volume to Europe and the USA. Both had lovely ranges that we hope we can use, as well as developing our own designs for clients in the sector.

This afternoon, Erny drove us three hours to Xiamen, where our main China office is based. We will be meeting the team for an early start in the morning, to visit factories and discuss on going live projects we are working on. .

We vistied the ceramic factory based in Chouzhou, the first in morning was for ceramic figures, quite small but good quality.

Second was big factory in the same area. Visited their show room first where they had a huge range of excellent quality and designed ceramic planters. Then went to factory It had away the 5mins away, which had own design department, and the standard of the factory was very high.

First day started as it was to continue with absolute chaos as teams of people clambered to get the show early.

Having planned the days halls, and focused on the manufacturers we needed to see from our ‘shopping list’, we headed out in teams on the hunt…

We covered a variety of product areas in the day, including ceramics, gardening, textiles, stationary and general gifting. Although conscious of hitting as many people as possible, we still didn’t cover all the intended Halls today as there is so much to cover. Found some great contacts and product ideas from todays searching. We will have to catch up tomorrow and cover the Halls not done today, as well as product areas including toys, household items and Toiletries.

Another fun filled day installed for tomorrow…Then flights to SHANTOU to see various factories on production and product development.

Erny from our Quanzhou office posed for me outside the exhibition Hall entrance….big smile please!!

More updates tomorrow – see you then!

And we are in China again. Sorcit’s MD David and our Design Director Shaun will keep you updated on our process in China!
David:
Day One

After all the disruptions with the Volcanic cloud and 5 days later than scheduled, Shaun and I, managed to fly out from Heathrow on Wednesday afternoon. There were only 40 passengers on the 300 seat plane, so not quite sure how that happened! Not complaining, as it was nice having the extra space. We finally arrived in Guangzhou this evening, ready for our 1st day of the Canton Fair phase#2. We were met at the train station by 2 of our Chinese staff, Julian and Jessy, who will be accompanying us over the next 2 days at the fair.

Shaun:

“DAY 1” (in the voice of the guy from Big brother….. Eventually (after a weeks volcanic disruption delay) Arrived in Guangzhou after a good flight; with about in and brought along our clients ‘shopping list’ of products they have requested we search for to look at Phase 2 at Canton Fair.

Its a big show, so we have been joined by 2 of our Xiamen team and 1 from Quanzhou office, to try and maximise the time at the show, and meet as many potential manufactures as possible over the next 2 days. This is my first time at the show,

Shopping list and comfy shoes at the ready,… we are looking at what this phase has to offer in 2010 for our current customers and potential new clients.

Update to follow after tomorrow; while I am soaking my tired feet…..!