Fagerhult takes Scandinavian Design to China
“During 2004 we have reviewed our strategy and as a part of that process decided to start up activities in China”, says Per Borgvall CEO of the Fagerhult Group.
There are a number of reasons to the exceptional growth in China. Big inflow of foreign investments, a huge source of labour, fast growth of net income and an increasing level of education are just a few of the reasons.
Shanghai being the most modern city of China is also one of the biggest cities in the world with a population of more than 12 million inhabitants and with its location close to the sea an important harbour.
Mr Mats Johansson is the Managing Director of the Fagerhult activities in China.
Mr Johansson comes from IMI Indoor Climate and lives in Shanghai.
“With a local purchasing organisation in Shanghai we will be in a much better position to develop profitable business”, says Per Borgvall.
The Fagerhult factory is located in the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) about 80 km west of Shanghai, a modern industrial park with a “human-oriented” philosophy. SIP is an important cooperation project between China and Singapore. A high standard of infrastructure includes apartments, green areas, shopping centres, cinemas and exhibitions facilities. Presently there are over 1500 foreign invested companies in SIP and Suzhou is the fastest growing region in China with over 6 million inhabitants.
“It is an extremely exciting market place. To have our own people in China is a precondition for successful business”, says Per Borgvall.
There are several advantages with the Suzhou location for manufacturing. A high standard of infrastructure including both road and railway communication, a stable and reliable power supply and a good and educated source of labour to a competitive cost.
Initially the manufacturing will be focused on standard products. The activities in the 6000 square metres manufacturing facilities will start during the spring 2005.
“We are currently moving in equipment and recruits people and the manufacturing activities will start during the second quarter of 2005. Already in the third quarter we expect the first shipments from the factory”, says Per Borgvall.
For more information please contact:
Per Borgvall
CEO
tel: +46 36 10 87 06
mobile: +46 70 655 45 44
e-mail: per.borgvall@fagerhult.se
Mats Johansson
Managing Director, Kina
tel: +86 21 5899 3489
mobile: +86 13795496450
e-mail: mats.johansson@fagerhult.se