 |
 |
||||||
[October 2004]
Chinese Kiln Manufacturer Gears Up for World Sales
Tung-Chung Kiln Mechanical Ltd (TC Kiln) – one of mainland China’s largest and most advanced kiln builders – has struck out into the wider world market in a move which has led to the formation of a new European company whose prime role will be to promote increased knowledge and take-up of TC Kiln’s comprehensive range.
The new company, Dragon Kilns Ltd, is based in Stoke-on-Trent in England and has been formed and is headed by Adam Slater who brings with him 20 years of experience in kiln engineering, sales and commissioning in the ceramic industry. Adam and TC Kiln’s President, Jung Tang Yeh, set their seal on the new venture during August 2004. Dragon Kilns will be involved in all projects outside China.
TC Kiln was established in Chung Li City, Tao Yuan, Taiwan back in 1979 and since that time has manufactured over 800 kilns, making it a major player in the region. In addition to its 4,000 sq.m. Taiwanese headquarters, it boasts a 4,000 sq.m. manufacturing and office facility in Shanghai and the main manufacturing plant covering 6,000 sq.m. in Shenzhen in Guangdong Province.
Currently, TC Kiln employs 100 people in Taiwan, 80 in Shanghai and 400 in Shenzhen. This, however, is all set to change. In a bold move which underscores its positive attitude to gaining new business with Dragon, the company is in the process of building a brand new, second factory in Shenzhen. This enormous state-of-the-art facility will cover 30,000 sq.m. and will employ a further 600 people. Its output will be in addition to the existing Shenzhen factory which continues as before.
Before deciding to launch Dragon Kilns, Adam Slater undertook a study tour of the current TC Kiln facilities and nearby top name customers. “The size and complexity of the operation in Shenzhen was immediately impressive,” he said, “as was TC Kiln’s approach to modern in-line manufacturing, quality checks, fabrication expertise across the board and plenty of evidence of sound management.”
Talks with Jung Tang Yeh were in-depth and fruitful and moving forward to the formation of Dragon Kilns became the next logical step.
“One clear expectation of customers approaching Dragon Kilns is that, given its Chinese supply line, the range of kilns on offer will be cheaper. While this is true – and I expect main costs to be at least 25% less – the quality of the staff and facilities assembled in Shenzhen have resulted in levels of technology equivalent to that in Europe, North America and other kiln manufacturing centres. On top of all this, we are convinced that there is also the opportunity for much quicker build, delivery and commissioning.”
Evidence of these capabilities can be seen in the solid progress behind the TC name. From sales of 30 kilns in 2002, this year’s total is expected to top 50 substantial sized kilns, providing a turnover of some US$30 million. Major ceramic manufacturing names, not only in China but across Asia, have shown their faith in the company in recent times. These include: TOTO (sanitaryware tunnel and shuttle kilns); NGK (special shuttle kilns); Kasalong (the Thai tableware company based in Lampang); and Shinepukur Ceramics (the fine bone china manufacturer in Bangladesh).
Dragon will offer the full range of ceramic kilns across world markets, including gas, oil and LPG tunnel and shuttle kilns, modern gas and electric roller kilns (which already form 60% of TC’s output for tableware and tiles), electric belt conveyor kilns, and both gas and electric test kilns. Customers will also be able, wherever they wish, to specify the use of some western manufactured components in their kilns – burners and controllers, for instance.
www.dragonkilns.com
ENDS