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Durham-based engineering firm partners with Fast Track China (UK) Ltd

A North East family-run engineering firm is looking to expand its presence in China after partnering with export sales specialists Fast Track China (UK) Ltd.

FIT-Infrared, which is based in Shildon, County Durham, has already taken its first steps into the Chinese market by developing a large scale spray painting and curing plant for Cummins Engines Ltd, in Chongqing.

However, the partnership with Fast Track China will allow FIT-Infrared to establish a permanent presence in China, building contacts with potential customers and educating clients about the techniques and products it has developed.

Having enjoyed a successful first trade mission with Fast Track China in October 2014, FIT Infrared is again working with the firm for a major Made in Europe exhibition in Zhengzhou in April.

FIT-Infrared specialises in the customised design and supply of gas-fuelled flameless catalytic infrared heating, curing and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) abatement installations for a wide range industries.

Ambitions for the Chinese market include the development of portable systems to reduce heating costs in the country’s colder Northern regions. The system would help reduce the reliance on coal and provide an environmentally-friendly heating option.

The company, which was founded 30 years ago, has a strong client base, which includes not only Cummins, but BAE, TATA Steel and GE Aviation.

Fast Track China has a growing team of British and Chinese nationals working in both countries to support businesses wishing to trade between the two markets. In partnership with the provincial government of Zhengzhou City, Henan, the company has established an exhibition centre where UK firms can showcase their products and services. A memorandum of understanding has now been signed for a second centre in Changsha, in the Hunan province.

Don McGee, Managing Director of FIT-Infrared, said: “China is an unusual market for us, but one which offers a lot of potential for growth. There is a lot of energy dependency upon coal in China, so we need to work hard to educate potential clients there on the benefits of our energy efficient flameless gas-fuelled products. By partnering with Fast Track China, we can have a permanent display within the centre in Henan, from which we can reach a huge potential client base.”

As well as the exhibition space, the partnership will allow FIT-Infrared to benefit from China-based sales support, and receive assistance in developing a website in the Mandarin language.

Richard Sice, Chief Executive of Fast Track China, said: “Our services aren’t only for those who are taking their first steps into the Chinese market. Companies which have already seen the potential of selling to China and even had some successes can benefit from the support we can give both here in the UK and with our colleagues in China.”

Willem van Hoorn, Head of European Operations for Fast Track China said: “FIT-Infrared is an excellent example of a family company with big ambitions and their work to press into the Chinese market so far is to be applauded. We hope that we will be able to support the company as it pushes to build upon this.”

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