Hong Kong's Ricky Wong of Universal Plastic (right) and Japan's Miyoji Nakai of Grit (centre) made the right connection, fast, after their businesses where matched through TDC's Business Matching

Japanese car-care products company Grit Co Ltd met Hong Kong plastics manufacturer Universal Plastic through a "match-maker" arranged by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

Like most small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) around the world, which lack management resources and network links, Grit's Executive Director Miyoji Nakai decided to hook up with "someone" who could find him a reliable and cost effective supplier. That "someone" was HKTDC Business Matching, a customised business matching service dedicated to finding Hong Kong business partners for companies around the world.

"Finding an inexpensive yet dependable offshore partner for manufacturing low-margin, labour-intensive products is virtually next to impossible," Mr Nakai pointed out. "By using HKTDC's Business Matching we hope to hook up with reliable OEM suppliers producing quality protective steering wheel covers."

HKTDC's Head of Business Matching Regina Lai said her team screened over 100 companies in Hong Kong, seeking the best candidates that could meet with Mr Nakai's stringent requirements for product quality, quick delivery and lot size. "After whittling down the list to the three most promising matches, we put these Hong Kong companies in touch with Grit Co Ltd," said Ms Lai. Within three months of their initial enquiry, Grit Co Ltd found its OEM partner.

Reliable partner

Hong Kong plastics manufacturer Universal Plastic, like its SME counterpart in Japan, had wanted to explore new markets. Although their products complied with the environmental requirements for both the European Union and Japan, it had made no headway. Like Grit Co Ltd, it too turned to Business Matching.

"The TDC opened up a brand new market in Japan for us," said Ricky Wong, Sales Director of Universal Plastic. He said that it was the "in-depth understanding of the needs of both parties" that Universal Plastics found a good fit with Grit Co Ltd within such a short time

"Business Matching focused on finding companies that could meet Grit's strict requirements on environmental standards and cost control. We met with Grit's representatives face-to-face, then they visited our plant in Dongguan, southern China and were happy with our quality," said Mr Wong. In only three months an order was placed for one container load of plastic wheel covers, followed shortly by another order for 12 more. "We were totally amazed with the outcome," added a jubilant Mr Wong. 

Looking to duplicate its "amazing outcome" in other international markets, Universal Plastic has again turned to Business Matching. "The HKTDC has helped us build new businesses in places we previously thought were impossible," commented Mr Wong. 

Mr Nakai agreed. "TDC handled all the arrangements and introduced us to interested companies. One call is all it takes to set up the interviews. In international business, speed is the game and a quick and easy service like Business Matching is just the answer."

For more information on Business Matching, email businessmatching@tdc.org.hk call (852) 1830-668 or call the nearest HKTDC office nearest you HKTDC's global network.

Reprint from 6 Sept 2006 "Capital Weekly"