Precision engineering firm aiming for China trade

Feb 13 2010 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

AN award-winning precision engineering company is winning new business in China as it aims to broaden its horizons.

Ford is a long established manufacturer with sites in South Shields and Hebburn employing over 140 people.

The company manufactures precision engineered products for the aerospace, automotive, power generation, construction and defence markets. Customers include Agusta Westland, BAE Systems, Siemens, Freudenberg Technical Products, MAN and JCB.

Ford already exports around the world including France, Germany, Italy and the US but was keen to explore the potential of the Chinese market.

Ford enlisted the support of UK Trade & Investment and signed up to the Passport to Export initiative before participating in two market visits to China and commissioning a number of Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) reports to gain an insight into the market and set up meetings with potential partners, customers, suppliers, distributors and agents.

Mark Podmore, group commercial director at Ford Group, said: “China is an exciting and rapidly developing market. Trading conditions are very different to those we’re used to, but the market can be tackled with the assistance of expert advice from UKTI.”

Following the two market visits, OMIS reports and excellent market advice, Ford has now selected its first agent in Northern China, Dalian YiBang Science & Technology Co Ltd.

Mr Podmore added: “Both during and after the market visits we have received excellent support, guidance and practical assistance from Dr Zhengming Yang and the UKTI Team.

“This has allowed us to develop a robust development strategy for China which included numerous visits in 2009, the translation of legal documents, the selection of a Chinese student placement and new product and market literature.

“Without this support we would have struggled to fulfil our market potential in China.”

Dr Zhengming Yang, UK Trade & Investment’s China business development manager, said: “Ford was among several companies who joined our market visits to China in 2009 and we’re delighted the experience has proved so valuable to them.

“The feedback we’ve had from other delegates has also been incredibly positive.

“We will be organising further market visits to China this year, including one in May and we would encourage companies to get in touch to find out more about the visit and how UKTI can help them achieve success overseas.”

For more information about OMIS, the 2010 programme of market visits and other support available through UK Trade & Investment call the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054 or email: enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk.