Hughes has taken another important step towards a permanent presence in China. The Vice Consul-General for the Chinese Embassy, Zhou Haicheng, has visited the Hughes headquarters in Stockport to learn first-hand about the business and its plans for the future.
Pictured above: Managing Director Tony Hughes with Zhou Haicheng
Accompanied by his wife, he toured the manufacturing centre and met members of the management team. It was an ideal opportunity to discuss the company’s intentions in China and the possibility of opening an office and factory near Shanghai.
The visit to Hughes was initially proposed by Stockport Councillor Shan Alexander and provided a valuable introduction. It will be followed by many more meetings aimed at establishing a sales and manufacturing base in China. This will not only enable Hughes to penetrate the huge market within China itself but also provide a regional base to increase business throughout Asia.
During the visit, Mr Zhou spoke of his personal experience of safety. After leaving university he worked in a chemical plant and was involved in an accident involving dangerous chemicals. As was common in industry at the time, there was no safety shower available. He therefore understands, perhaps more than most people, the importance of having easy access to suitable safety equipment. The visit to Hughes highlighted the latest technology and products and emphasised the importance of quality in design, manufacture and customer support.