Texon International CEO Stephen Bracegirdle says the Hong Kong office acts as the vital link between the mainland factories and other factories around the world

It opened a second factory in Foshan three years ago, and in July 2004, established an office in Hong Kong to act as the vital coordinating link between the factories in China and its global clients.

Texon International has over 100 years of experience in providing innovative products to the world's biggest footwear brands in sport, fashion, lifestyle and safety markets. CEO Stephen Bracegirdle explained Texon's successful business model in this part of the world.

Just in time delivery

Unlike other overseas firms, Texon first established a presence in the mainland before setting up a Hong Kong office. "We set up our first factory in Foshan 14 years ago when we found most of our customers, the footwear companies, were moving to China. Our business has grown on the back of the development of the footwear business and they were demanding better service and delivery times, so we decided to move with them to China," Mr Bracegirdle said.

The two factories set up nearly a decade apart from each other were established with F.A.C.I.C (Foshan Arts & Craft Industrial Company), which has since changed its name to Chen Ben De Management Company.
 
The Hong Kong team of seven manages the factories in Foshan. "The Hong Kong office has a very international team whose role is to act as facilitators and enablers. They have the knowledge of China operations and act as the link to worldwide customers and our facilities in the US, UK, Spain, Italy, Germany and France. We could not have done what we did (if we'd been) based in Foshan," explained Mr Bracegirdle.

International expertise

The Hong Kong team, he said, has the know-how of western corporations which is very important as Texon's clients - among the top 200 brands in the world - are changing locations and orders. "I can see our Hong Kong office growing and will be the global headquarters for our footwear division in future and the regional office for our industrial group," he said.

Mr Bracegirdle was in Hong Kong for the recent Asia Pacific Leather Fair (APLF) to offer Texon's expertise and infrastructure to help other European shoe businesses venture into China. "We can help accelerate their entry into China since we already have the experience and the expertise and a working relationship with a Foshan company."

He said Texon had taken part in APLF for many years but was particularly struck by this year's diversity and the sheer number of international exhibitors and buyers.

"Hong Kong is truly a focal point for Texon as we came with 55 people from different countries and we all got to interact with each other," said Mr Bracegirdle.
   
Related link
Texon International