Established to run in parallel with the UK manufacturing base in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, the new 5 Star China operation will primarily service the burgeoning domestic Chinese and wider Asian markets which are demanding high quality products - for which it's simply not practical to ship from the UK.
The idea has been on the horizon for some time explains 5 Star's MD Keith Sykes, but several elements needed to fall in line before the plan could be successfully implemented.
Running the new 1000 metre plus production facility will be 5 Star's local business partner James Zhang, a well-known, respected and highly successful entrepreneur who manages other manufacturing companies in the town, including travel bag / handbag and polythene carrier bag factories. He will initially work with a full time staff of around 15 at the plant.
The intention, explained Keith, is to mimic the UK operation as closely as possible in terms of the quality of products, innovative design, an inclusive management style and the rigorous application of health and safety standards.
A new large format CNC machine is at the heart of the manufacturing which will be the key system for producing accurate cut panels for the majority of the case products.
As well as delivering efficiently and cost effectively to 5 Star's existing clients, the strategy and the goal also is also very much to generate new business. They are also seeking potential OEM partners.
"We are hoping to repeat the success of the UK operation on all levels," states Keith enthusiastically, "We looked at China a few years back and the time just wasn't right, but now I am fully confident it is. This is a very exciting phase in 5 Star's development and will be a great enhancement to our brand worldwide."
(Jim Evans)
