The Rudong Safety and Protective Equipment Industry Association was founded on Oct 9, with Wang Xianhua, president of Jiangsu Hanvo Safety Co Ltd, selected as its president.

The establishment of the association is set to drive reform and innovation and accelerate the transformation of the safety and protective equipment industry.

The association will set up an intelligent procurement platform for raw materials, streamlining the supply chain and enabling member companies to benefit from cost efficiencies.

Data reveals that the annual procurement of raw materials in the Rudong safety and protective equipment industry amounts to nearly 1 billion yuan ($136.89 million). The shift from decentralized to centralized procurement is expected to further reduce production costs for member companies.

Rudong's safety and protective equipment industry dates back to 1992 and has since evolved into a globally-recognized and distinctive industrial cluster. In 2021, the industry was designated by the Ministry of Commerce as a national base for foreign trade transformation and upgrading.

As of now, Rudong is home to 618 enterprises engaged in the safety and protective equipment industry, employing over 40,000 people. Among them, more than 150 are engaged in foreign trade supply. In 2022, the industry in Rudong generated a total output value of 16.2 billion yuan.

The unveiling ceremony for the Rudong Safety and Protective Equipment Industry Association. [Photo/Nantong Daily]