We have been able to gain the trust of world ’ s two leading eyewear manufactures including Safilo , Luxottica , De Rigo and Essilor and have become one of the top four eyewear metal components suppliers in the world .
Please outline HuaQiang ’ s business model
Our business models can be seen as two folds . For most of our customers , we ship our components directly to their plants , usually in Italy , China , Japan and Bazile . We are their first-tier supplier . This is referred as “ Direct sales ” in HQ and accounts 70 % of our annual sales .
Other customers that are brand or retail owners that do not have internal manufacturing capabilities , we supply to their frame producers . This accounts 30 % of our annual sales .
What technologies does the company utilise across its operations ?
We have been investing in new technologies , especially in 5-axis CNC machines . We also have a machinery workshop to develop and build all our machines for standard products , as well as utilising pressing , computer numerical control ( CNC ), metal injection moulding ( MIM ), laser cutting and more .
How do you ensure strong relationships with customers and suppliers ?
We have selected a number of qualified candidates with the potential and willingness to grow . We have shared market information and production knowhow , and internalised the fundamentals , such as moulding and surface treatments so supplier risks are mitigated .
Safilo , for example has an extensive brand portfolio , and is an industrial leader in quality and design . The business always challenges us to realise the wildest design ideas .
The transformation of centralisation in procurement in recent years has also allowed HuaQiang not only to tap into business with Safilo , but also with its OEM suppliers . Safilo has been our most educative customer , which has allowed us not only to develop in terms of management , but has also opened us to further market opportunities .
How does HuaQiang help its customer such as Safilo to deliver special eyewear ?
Each time when we receive a drawing or a new idea , instead of going directly into product development , it is our instinct to look deep and try to understand the logic behind this design and all possible solutions to accomplish it .
If such design is intent to be perfect in moving mechanism , we will suggest the most precise process to make sure the assembled product runs smooth like silk . If such design is intent to be perfect in aesthetics , we will introduce the right surface treatments to make it shine .
Basically , we help our customers to create added value by putting ourselves into our customer ’ s shoes .
What about the training and development of workers ?
Whilst being an industrial leader in self-developed machinery in China , we also maintain industry ’ s highest level of investment in our Human Resources . One of the most effective ways is to acquire talented people from other industry leaders . Some of our brightest colleagues were recruited from Volkswagen and Bosch .
Our technical team routinely attend machinery and moulding exhibitions worldwide , and we also have established partnerships with a training firms for management training across all management levels . A personal development fund is also announced to all employees on yearly basis .
What sets HuaQiang apart from the competition ?
The most crucial one is our dedication in both catalogue and custom-made products . In catalogue business , some are self-developed , but others can be standardised . By continuous investment in automation , R & D , and production management for catalogue products , we are more efficient than ever .
When developing a new metal frame , a customer need to decide to which extend they will internalise the product . Our commitment in both product types enables us to be the ultimate metal solution provider to eyewear industry .
We shipped 40mn pairs of catalogue products and 15mn pairs of custom made products in 2017 , where we produce approximately 90,000 pairs per day .
As a company that has deep roots in this industry for 35 years , we were able to capture new customers whilst maintaining good service level to existing ones which makes the first half of 2018 the best one we ever had .
Dunno Huang Director of foreign & indirect sales , HuaQiang Optical