Opening speeches were given by Satra Chief Executive, Austin Simmons, the UK Consul-General Guangzhou, Alastair Morgan, Deputy Secretary General Dongguan Government, Chen Zhi Chao, and Vice Chairman of Satra China Board, Robert Tsai.
After welcoming guests and SATRA members from all across China, Simmons said ‘This laboratory and office complex that we are opening provides a solid foundation from which to better service our Chinese members and customers.’
Alastair Morgan said ‘SATRA had certainly chosen the right region in which to do business – Dongguan City, which is an important manufacturing base for multinationals in China, as well as domestically-owned companies.’
Visiting dignitaries and senior SATRA staff cut the red ribbon and then
proceeded outside for the traditional ‘eye-dotting’ ceremony to awaken the Chinese lion to dance.
Satra have been active in China for many years, initially working with western footwear brands that outsourced manufacture in the Far East. Over time, they have built up valuable experience and knowledge working direct with Chinese manufacturers. Satra were the first company to create a leather grading system accepted by Chinese tanneries and western international brands. Satra services in China today include product research, design and testing, chemicals analysis, quality control, production efficiency and laboratory accreditation. Satra also sell various test machines which Satra manufactures themselves in the UK.
Until 2004, Satra operations in China were through UK staff visiting on a consultancy basis. They opened a representative office in Dongguan eight years ago and this has gradually expanded to include both British nationals and local Chinese staff. Last year they established a Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise known as Satra Technology Services (Dongguan).