Focus on the Middle Kingdom
Chinese Commerce Representatives visit STRÄHLE + HESS / Improving Access to Expanding Markets in Far East.
Althengstett (k-w). Plans are taking concrete shape at STRÄHLE + HESS to gain additional access to markets in the Far East from a platform in China. Prominent trade representatives visited the enterprise in Althengstett to provide support in seeking a Chinese location for the internationally leading manufacturer of special textiles. Commerce Promoter Su Bin and his Deputy Bruce Li were also given a reception at the office of the County Executive in Calw.
Contact with the Chinese trade representatives had been established through the presentation of STRÄHLE + HESS last October at the CINTE Techtextil in Shanghai. At this premium event in the field of technical textiles, existing contacts to the Far East were intensified and new partnerships initiated.
For Chief Executive Kirsten Schönharting, these efforts are coming full circle with the German visit of the Chinese delegation. Mid-sized automotive suppliers are called upon to respond to the Asian challenge, she says. “If we are to profit from these expanding markets, we have to follow our customers to the locations where their production is up and running.” The automotive market, in particular, is on the upswing in China. STRÄHLE + HESS is in demand as a partner for the conception and development of special textile solutions of the most diverse types for interiors and exteriors, to be realized in serial production.
Up to now, customers in the Far East have been supplied directly from Althengstett, making for long and unwieldy transport routes; this is now to be changed in the course of expansion aimed at on-location supply for manufacturers in the Middle Kingdom. The initiative does not lessen the importance of the location in Germany. It remains decisive for the innovative strategy of the enterprise, as the executive management emphasizes, and in the future will continue to be of the utmost importance for European customers. Ongoing negotiations are in planning. In May, CEO Kirsten Schönharting will be visiting China to meet high-ranking trade representatives.
At the reception for the Chinese guests, Nico Lauxmann as Commerce Promoter for the County of Calw pointed toward the significance of mid-sized businesses for the region of the Northern Black Forest. He set STRÄHLE + HESS on a plane with such internationally renowned companies as Boysen and Rolf Benz as good examples for innovative enterprise and high productivity. Andreas Knörle, representing the County Executive, welcomed the Chinese trade representatives to the County of Calw and presented them with gifts. Dr. Clemens Götz, Mayor of Althengstett, portrayed the small host community with its high quality of living. He invited the guests to discover the beauty of the Northern Black Forest.
Chief Executive Kirsten Schönharting acknowledged gratefully the support provided to enterprises in the County of Calw toward establishing international activities. Offering such platforms to mid-size business brings benefits for the entire region, she said. The reception organized spontaneously by the County Office she sees as a form of recognition for the highly motivated employees who contribute to the success of the innovative textile trendsetter. Both in Shanghai and during the guests’ tour of the company seat, the team from Althengstett had made an excellent impression with its knowledge and achievement.
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