Rock climbing gear

	Ascend of mainland China offers this aluminum alloy carabiner with an auto-locking gate.

The latest products are made of aluminum, stainless steel and zinc alloy. These come with add-ons such as LED torches and compasses.

Carabiner suppliers in mainland China and Hong Kong are focusing upgrades primarily on improving the durability and performance of products. This comes as part of their strategy to move upmarket amid intense competition in the low-end and midrange segments.

For sturdier construction and longer service life, releases are being made of durable materials. Aluminum and stainless steel are among the most widely used because of their high strength and corrosion resistance.

In some companies, steel and aluminum are fortified with a combination of other elements and are subjected to various processes to meet increasing demand for highperformance carabiners.

Anodization is among the surface treatments performed by mainland and Hong Kong suppliers. It involves subjecting the carabiners to a chemical process that leaves an oxygen film on the surface. This makes the products resistant to rust and corrosion.

Mainland companies, including Ascend Industry Co. Ltd and Ningbo Yongtai Metal Products Co. Ltd, typically procure aluminum and steel in Guangxi, Shandong and Henan provinces. Hong Kong makers featured in this report source from mainland-based vendors as well.

Aside from being more durable, the latest releases are lightweight and easier to use. Some carabiners are designed to be opened easily with one hand, while others have mechanisms that ensure fast, reliable locking.

	Mainland China's Ningbo Yongtai has released model 85020, a stainless steel carabiner with snap hook and screw lock.

In the mainland, most suppliers are increasing the capability of their carabiners to strengthen overseas competitiveness.

Shanghai Rui Lan Mfg Co. Ltd has developed models that can perform a variety of other functions. These include products with built-in thermometers and compasses.

The company’s carabiners come in aluminum alloy and are available in various colors. Products are exported to Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Sixty percent of shipments are under OEM and ODM contracts.

Shenzhen Xingrui (Anhaorui) Toys & Gifts Co. Ltd's latest models are equipped with digital clocks and compasses.

Aside from carabiners, the ISO 9001-certified company offers pedometers, multifunction keychains and light pens. Products are RoHS-compliant and bear the CE mark.

Ningbo Xingqiang Metallic Product Co. Ltd offers designs with auto-lock gate mechanisms. This security feature prevents the carabiner from opening accidentally.

Hong Kong-made carabiners also boast functions that go beyond the core capability.

Models from Moslink Electronic Ltd range from standard D-shaped carabiners with LED lights to pearshaped designs equipped with knives, polishers and scissors.

The company, which exports mainly to Europe and the US, can release as many as 200,000 carabiners in one month.

At Good Sense (Hong Kong) Ltd, best-sellers include the CE-certified GS-1231 model, which is equipped with an LED torch. Other designs feature add-ons such as digital clocks and FM radios.

Hing Nam Plastic & Metal Fty Ltd offers models equipped with compasses, bottle openers and LED torches.

These usually come in aluminum or zinc alloy.

There are about 100 carabiner suppliers in the mainland. The bulk of production takes place in Zhejiang province.

Companies cater primarily to the low-end and midrange markets. They manufacture models that are equipped with value add-ons, including compasses, knives and LED flashlights.

Suppliers, however, will be moving upmarket to avoid intense price competition in the low-end segment. Most are planning on investing more in R&D to create quality designs that yield better margins.

The mainland’s carabiners industry has been growing 10 to 15 percent annually over the past three years. OEM business is strong, accounting for nearly three-fifths of output.

From January to December 2006, suppliers shipped an estimated 100 million carabiners, generating more than $500 million in export sales.

The EU and North America absorb the bulk of shipments, although companies eye Asia as a potential market this year.

In Hong Kong, the industry is much smaller with only about 20 makers. Many of them have set up factories in the mainland, particularly Guangdong, to lower outlay.

Exporting mainly on an OEM basis, Hong Kong suppliers cater to the midrange and high-end segments.

The key destinations are Europe and the US.