EastBridge China & Thailand Sourcing Trip - May 2025

Gaungzhou-Qingdao-Shanghai-Nanjing-Jiaxing-Bangkok

In May 2025, the EastBridge team undertook an extended business trip to China and Thailand, covering over 8,000 kilometres. The trip included visits to key industrial hubs including Guangzhou, Qingdao, Shanghai, Nanjing, Jiaxing, Wuxi, Shanghai, and concluding in Bangkok. The primary objective of the trip was to engage with various manufacturers and explore potential collaborations in several sectors that are of particular interest to our clients.

Foshan: HVAC Solutions

Our initial stop was in Foshan, where we visited a well-established Chinese company, founded in 1993. This organization specializes in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry, offering comprehensive energy-saving solutions for both heating and cooling. Their extensive product portfolio includes:

• Heat Pumps

• Water Chillers

• Commercial Air Conditioning Units

  
  

The company's products are engineered to perform effectively in diverse climatic conditions. Notably, they produce EVI heat pumps capable of operating in extremely cold European winters (down to -35°C) and air-cooled systems designed for the high temperatures of the Middle East (up to 53°C). With operations spanning over 40 countries, the company emphasizes its strong research and development capabilities, intelligent monitoring systems, and the provision of customized services, including OEM, OBM, and ODM. They have established themselves as a trusted brand, supplying major hotels and consultancies across Asia and the Middle East, driven by a mission to enhance comfort in everyday life.

Qingdao: Smart Water Pumps

Moving on to Qingdao, we spent a full day with a prominent manufacturer of water supply equipment. This group is particularly recognized for its expertise in smart water pumps and the development of advanced water supply security systems for urban areas and high-rise buildings. Our visit provided valuable insights into their design, production, and installation processes for comprehensive urban water supply systems. We were particularly impressed by their focus on developing and manufacturing intelligent water pumps and electric motors for a wide array of applications.

Their commitment to creating smart city water supply security systems, leveraging technologies such as computer systems, the Internet, and cloud computing to enhance efficiency and safety, was evident. The company holds a leading position within the water supply industry in China, with their products utilized in various settings, including major residential developments and booster pump stations. A significant achievement highlighted was their invention of the "non-negative" technique in 1997, which has contributed to advancements in China's water supply technology. Furthermore, they are actively pursuing the development of environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and safe green water supply systems. Their product range includes:

• Various types of water pumps

• Automatic pump control systems

• Gasoline-powered water pumps

Interestingly, they also manufacture a diverse range of specialized emergency response vehicles and recreational vehicles under a separate subsidiary brand. The dedication and pride in their work were palpable, and the breadth of their product offering was such that a single day proved insufficient to explore it fully. The quality and finish of their products, coupled with the evident organization and discipline of their management and staff, left a lasting positive impression.

Nanjing: Vehicle Manufacturing

In Nanjing, we engaged in discussions with a significant Chinese vehicle brand operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of one of China's "Big Four" state-owned car manufacturers. This company specializes in the production of a wide spectrum of vehicles, including:

• SUVs

• MPVs

• Pickup Trucks

• Recreational Vehicles

• Vans

• Light Trucks

Our meeting was specifically focused on exploring the feasibility of fulfilling a request from a European Union-based food distribution company seeking to replace its existing fleet of light trucks and transition from diesel to electric power. While the company currently offers a comprehensive range of electric light trucks for the domestic Chinese market, European-certified models are still relatively limited. However, it is anticipated that this offering will expand rapidly in the coming years, driven by increasing demand, a trend the company appears well-prepared to capitalize on. Our observations on the factory floor were highly encouraging, and we are enthusiastic about the potential for strengthening our collaboration with this impressive organization in the future.

Shanghai and Jiaxing: Lithium-ion Battery Manufacturing

Our itinerary then took us to Shanghai and Jiaxing in Zhejiang Province for a meeting with a lithium-ion battery manufacturer. This company, backed by a Fortune 500 giant, is a key player in the new energy sector. Their activities encompass the research and development, production, and marketing of lithium batteries, modules, and comprehensive systems, aimed at providing global solutions for new energy vehicle manufacturers and electric power investors focused on achieving carbon neutrality. Headquartered with both R&D and manufacturing facilities in the Shanghai and Jiashan areas, their flagship product is characterized by its fast charging capabilities, high energy density, and advanced safety design. This battery technology serves a diverse range of applications, including:

• Passenger and commercial vehicles

• Specialized and engineering vehicles

• Marine applications

• Household, commercial, and industrial energy storage

• Telecom backup power

The company holds numerous quality and environmental certifications, demonstrating adherence to both domestic and international standards. Our discussions with them centred around the potential development of a novel battery solution tailored for the marine yacht market, in response to a specific requirement from one of our clients.

Wuxi: Electric Scooters and Bicycles

Continuing our journey, we travelled to Wuxi, a significant hub for electric scooter manufacturing in the Jiangsu province. Here, we visited a company specializing in high-quality electric scooters and e-motorcycles. Leveraging the region's strong industrial base, they offer stylish, stable, and performance-oriented products for both global and domestic markets. The company is focused on building a strong service-oriented brand and exports its products in various formats (CKD, SKD, and CBU) to over 45 countries. Their production facility includes over 100 skilled workers, two automated assembly lines, and two warehouses, enabling them to produce:

• Electric scooters

• Tricycles

• Motorcycles

• Spare parts

Customization options are available through CNC precision machining. The company holds E-mark and CE certifications for numerous models and provides assistance to clients with local certification processes. Their emphasis on high-quality service, thorough quality checks, and robust after-sales support underscores their commitment to establishing strong international partnerships. During our meeting, we explored the potential for them to supply a range of customized electric motorbikes for a European customer looking to launch their own brand for the leisure activity market.

Also based in Wuxi, we visited another company with over 23 years of experience in manufacturing both electric and regular bicycles. Conveniently located near major transportation links and just an hour from Shanghai, this manufacturer produces over 200,000 units annually, with exports to countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Australia, and Japan. The company prides itself on modern management practices, advanced equipment, and a strong focus on quality and innovation. They hold Chinese patents and have received government recognition for their quality and reliability. As one of the first Chinese manufacturers with self-import/export rights, their aim is to provide top-tier electric bicycles at competitive prices, and they actively seek collaborations with global customers. Our discussions with this company focused on the potential supply of a range of customized electric bicycles for a European customer interested in launching their own brand.

Bangkok: Advanced Energy Solutions

The final leg of our trip brought us to Bangkok, where we met with the management team of a Hong Kong-based provider of advanced energy solutions. This company focuses on delivering innovative and environmentally friendly technologies, with a strong track record in battery swap systems, light electric vehicle (LEV) powertrain systems, and LEVs themselves. Their team comprises experts in research and development, manufacturing, and service delivery, ensuring high quality standards across their products and solutions. The primary objective of this meeting was to explore potential avenues for collaboration, with the long-term goal of expanding their battery swap concept to various other regions globally through strategic partnerships.