EDM Ltd celebrate winning China Business Award

9 February 2012

Manchester company EDM is celebrating after winning the China Business Award for the North West.  The award was announced at the Lowry Theatre on Friday 3rd February.

EDM is a specialist engineering business providing training and simulation equipment to aerospace, defence, rail and museum customers.

The company supply several Chinese airlines with training equipment, as well as providing equipment for the Civil Aviation Administration of China.  From 2008 to 2010 EDM’s exports to China have grown significantly, from less than 2% to 46% of overall export turnover, with a value of over £4.5 million.

EDM’s approach is based on forming partnerships with companies which share the same product portfolio and are based in the same market sector. The company is associated with The Airprofit Company and worked with them to identify a partner in Xi’an Feibao.

Despite the dip in the aviation worldwide, growth in China has increased and has necessitated a big recruitment programme for cabin crew, all of whom require training, providing an ideal opportunity for EDM.

Future projects include more possible joint ventures with Xi’an Feibao and a potential contract to design and manufacture a CJ1000 engine mock up for the prestigious 2012 Zhuhai Air Show.  Further work for Shandong and Shenzhen airlines is also likely.

Philomena Chen, Head of Asia Pacific Development for UK Trade & Investment, North West said:

“There was an outstanding level of entries for the North West region, and the winners are the companies who have showed the most evidence of a commitment to the market and who have successfully expanded their business in mainland China, Hong Kong or Taiwan.

“The winner, EDM, has shown a consistent commitment to Greater China, and a very well planned and determinedly executed strategy, which has brought great success in a challenging market and sector.  PTG has also demonstrated a positive and determined approach, building and maintaining strong relationships in the market resulting in valuable, mutually beneficial partnerships and trading.   The company are an object lesson in how to turn around a traditional manufacturing business into a successful international operation.”

Clive Drinkwater, Director – North West for UK Trade & Investment said:

“Greater China continues to be of major importance on the global stage and we are sure our winning companies will be able to enjoy long term rewards and success in return for the time and finances they have invested in furthering their business interests there.

“NW exports to China have been rising steadily over recent years as the Chinese economy becomes an increasingly important world player. China has risen up the league table of destinations for NW exports form 10th two years ago to 6th the year before and last year up to 4th. We sell nearly £1.5bn of manufactured goods a year now.

“This year’s North West England Greater China Awards are a great celebration of those businesses which have done the most to strengthen the links between our two economies.”

The North West England Greater China Business Award is organised by UK Trade & Investment North West and sponsored by Finnair, and rewards the company or organisation that has made the most significant contribution to developing business or network links with Greater China, including bi-lateral trade or investment.

On 9^th May Finnair will introduce a new route to Chongqing, the largest and fastest-growing city in China.  This makes Finnair the first airline to open up a direct flight route from Europe to Chongqing.

Finnair will fly to Chongqing four times a week from Manchester via Helsinki.  Finnair also flies daily to Beijing, Shanghai and to Hong Kong.

Also shortlisted were AstraZeneca UK Ltd, Enterprise Q Ltd, Flint Percussion and Lancaster University.

The winners were announced at the Greater China Achievement in International Trade Awards and Chinese New Year Dinner on Friday 3rd February at the Lowry Theatre in Salford.