Rob Leusink of Dutch firm Jansen with some of the classical furnishing items sourced in Hong Kong and China for buyers worldwide

Rob Leusink, Jansen Hong Kong general manager, arrived in Hong Kong in 1997 to establish a regional sourcing and shipping hub for Jansen International, a 28-year-old company based in the Netherlands specialising in the manufacture and wholesale distribution of reproduction furniture and decorative items.

Besides promoting and selling products manufactured in Jansen's own production facilities, the company found Hong Kong an ideal hub for sourcing new products and expanding existing lines for the benefit of Jansen International offices and customers worldwide.

"Hong Kong is a place that just seems to grow on you," Mr Leusink said. "Business opportunities present themselves, and even during tough times Hong Kong has resourcefulness and a strong ability to react and bounce back quickly.

"Through our Hong Kong headquarters we are able to conveniently and efficiently support our international operations in the Chinese mainland, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and India. You couldn't do that from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Manila or even Tokyo as each of these places focuses on their own domestic markets. Hong Kong's outlook is global and a preferred location to establish a regional headquarters."  

The company draws on its knowledge gained from dealing in original antiques to develop new product lines. "The goods we offer are classical products for the house, office and garden, designed and manufactured to a high standard in southern China and the Beijing and Nanjing areas," Mr Leusink said.

Value-added service

By working with partners in each country where products are manufactured and shipping agents in Hong Kong, the company closely monitors quality and is continuously investing in new designs and product development. A small but dedicated staff offers customers a value-added service, keeping them informed of latest developments by focusing on individual market needs.  "We have to be sensitive to different markets," says Mr Leusink. "Buyers from the Middle East do not want products that show faces because of religious beliefs; customers in Europe like to mix and match furniture; while US clients tend to prefer complete sets of matching furniture."

In addition to reproduction antique furniture, which includes tables and chairs, dining room furniture and bedroom suites, the range covers carpets, leather goods, cast iron items and bronze figures that vary in size from miniature sculptures of animals and historic characters, to bronze and marble busts and a life-size racing horse.

Three years ago, with long-time partner and business associate Moni Terwindt, Mr Leusink oversaw the opening of a showroom in Kowloon Bay and a 15,000 sq. ft warehouse in Fanling in the New Territories to showcase a range of more than 4,000 products made in factories around the region. Wholesale customers are able to fill a container with a mixture of products originating from various countries and many different factories, in turn allowing them to test-market new product lines and offer a wider product choice to their clients.

Important shipping hub

"Hong Kong's excellent location makes it easy to source and manufacture products and display them where it is convenient for buyers to visit.  Hong Kong is also an important hub for the shipping industry, and has the advantage of being adjacent to the wide range of manufacturing facilities in the Chinese mainland," Mr Leusink said.

"Being in Hong Kong you have easy access to the rest of the world. With so many shipping companies to choose from, the city is geared up for export, and the invoicing and paperwork is straightforward and meets international standards. This is really important, as the last thing you need is to have a customer's container delayed. That doesn't happen in Hong Kong."

He added that Hong Kong is very user-friendly when it comes to setting up a business. The process is simple because of its straightforward rules, relatively low operational costs and understandable tax and banking regulations, and there is a clear understanding of business responsibilities such as payment methods and laws concerning the ownership of products. "Also, there are few places in the world where within less than an hour from the busy office you can enjoy superb hiking or the peace and tranquility of Hong Kong's country parks."

Related link:
Jansen www.jansseninternational.com