TWP has gateway to China

Oct 25 2007 by The Journal

APALLET manufacturer in the North- East is aiming to take advantage of the booming Chinese export market by becoming the first UK company to set up a production facility in Henan Province.

Tyne and Wear Pallets (TWP) is making a significant investment in its new factory which is due to be up and running in January 2008 and will mirror the company’s manufacturing facility in Lamesley, near Gateshead.

Currently supplying global companies such as Procter and Gamble, Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline, TWP called in RTC North and advisers from MAS North-East to manage its expansion in the Far East. China continues to exhibit breakneck growth at around 9% a year while the country’s trade surplus reached an all-time high of $26.9bn in June. The project highlights exciting opportunities to sell into one of the largest markets in the world.

Having brokered in RTC North’s international business development consultant, Ray Jones, to manage the contractual and legal requirements of establishing an operation overseas, the company invited MAS manufacturing specialist Simon Taylor to assist in project managing the set up of the new factory.

Established in 1978 to service one client, the company currently employs over 80 people, has an expected annual turnover of £10m and its own distribution fleet and contractors.

Company managing director Peter McKenzie said: “MAS North-East’s experience has proved invaluable, initially in project planning and setting of objectives and latterly in giving focus to issues as the project has proceeded.”