Haiyu sees impressive growth since small beginnings

Finished footwear producer Haiyu Limited is located in the Chinese city of Gaomi, Shandong Province. The company was founded in 1985 by company president Huang Zuping, who also serves as chairman of the Shoes Association of Gaomi, vice-president of the Leather Industry Association of Shandong Province, and executive director of the China Leather Industry Association.

In its early days, Haiyu operated from a small shoe factory and employed only five members of staff. Mr Huang and his wife worked hard to develop their business, and ten years later it had grown to employ 100 people working in new facilities. As a result of increasing demand, Haiyu moved to a new factory in 2003 and the workforce grew to 500. Another move in 2013 saw the company relocate to its current location. With a floor space of 200,000m² and ten production lines, the factory offers Goodyear welted, cementing and open mould polyurethane pouring production processes.

At present, Haiyu specialises in manufacturing working shoes, military footwear, safety boots and hiking shoes and the current annual production capacity is around 3.5 million pairs. Now with over 3,000 employees, the company provides dormitory and canteen facilities, as well as a library and other entertainment facilities.

The company's main markets are Europe, mainland China, South America and the USA. Over the past few years, Haiyu has successfully attracted a number of international brand owners as business partners.

Photograph above shows SATRA's John Reed discussing footwear testing with Haiyu laboratory manager Viola Tang and the company's technicians.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 2 of the February 2017 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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