Safer models ready for demand boom

	Wuxi Xinfda offers different types of sports ball with PU or PVC covers.

The latest ergonomic designs are free from lead, PAHs or six of the regulated phthalates.

China suppliers of sports equipment are boosting R&D efforts in conjunction with relevant strategies meant to improve production efficiency and meet burgeoning demand.

Buoyed by recent international athletic events such as the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa, the relatively small manufacturing sector is expecting growth in export earnings this year. Revenue is seen to climb up to 30 percent although certain companies anticipate end-2010 results to exceed this.

The country turns out products for different athletic disciplines, but rackets, balls, skateboards and water sports equipment comprise the bulk of shipments.

The latest releases in these lines are made of materials that do not contain lead, PAHs or six of the regulated phthalates, and purchased from qualified providers. In addition, nontoxic coating and adhesives are adopted. Some suppliers, including Shanghai Double Happiness Co. Ltd, employ imported wood that does not require any color finish or lamination.

Several makers are also using alternatives to ordinary plastic. Many prefer the softer silicone to PVC as the former has no harmful substances.

Further, businesses are applying for quality certification even if it means spending $250 to $1,000 or more for each new model. Export products from the country comply generally with international standards such as EN 71 and REACH. Other equipment, particularly swimming goggles and snorkels, meet BS 4532 and 4583, and EN 1972 requirements.

Efforts are also being directed at improving performance. The latest tennis rackets are fitted with cushioned grips. Some adopt calfskin, which has a smoother texture.

Table tennis rackets from Shanghai Double Happiness have surfaces that interact with the ball better. For the handle, unpainted imported wood is utilized.

For swimming and diving goggles, recent strap designs are wider or doubled for a snugger and more secure fit. At Zhejiang Jinbang Sports Equipment Co. Ltd, the frames and platforms of skates have been extended and incorporated with brakes. The manufacturer’s skateboards feature decks with lengths that can easily be adjusted without the need for tools. Such models also come with safety reminders.

Product development and other related tasks are generally done in-house. A few suppliers outsource these to foreign design houses. Some consult China’s various national sports teams and leading athletes for ideas.

While demand may be rising, the industry continues to face a myriad of issues that contribute to some uncertainties.

The labor shortage continues to cripple factories, slowing production time by about one-third. Already, several businesses are rejecting orders due to limited capacity and cost problems.

The 25 percent jump in workers’ wages complicates the situation further as it pads manufacturing expenses.

Another dilemma is the rise in raw material spending. Rates have increased between 10 and 30 percent in the past six months, a trend projected to continue for the rest of the year.

As such, many makers are enlarging the scale of operations to lower outlay. Zhejiang Jinbang, for instance, is expanding its factory, improving storage to lessen spoilage and installing automatic plastic-injection machines. The supplier expects these measures to raise monthly yield by 100 percent.

Shanghai Double Happiness, meanwhile, has developed new equipment intended to improve packaging speed.

At Wuxi Xinfda International Corp., the manufacturing processes are closely set up to shorten transport time and hasten the flow of materials and parts.

With regard to rising costs, most enterprises intend to shoulder half of the increase. This is because final prices have already jumped by 5 to 15 percent in the past six months.

Raw materials are chiefly sourced from nearby domestic providers. Wuxi Xinfda purchases rubber in Hainan and Yunan provinces.

Zhejiang Jinbang procures wood from Guangxi province. PU wheels are from Shandong province, where products are noted for their airless and rigid constructions.

Some, including Shanghai Double Happiness, buy imported wood and rubber such as those from Sri Lanka.

To increase sales and remain competitive, many companies are developing OBM business by participating in trade shows in China and abroad. To boost brand awareness, others are supporting and sponsoring various sporting events.

The EU and the US are the top shipping destinations. The latter, together with South America and Australia, absorb the bulk of shipments of water sports equipment. Products for racket sports go mainly to Southeast Asia and the domestic market.

China is home to about 2,000 sports equipment makers. SMEs comprise roughly 90 percent of the base, while large ones represent the rest.

Approximately 85 percent of the manufacturing pool is locally owned. The rest consists of foreign-invested enterprises.

Only a few specialize in the line. Most also offer fitness equipment such as exercise balls and mats, and camping products.

Racket companies number about 500 and are mainly based around the Yangtze River Delta region and Guangdong province.

The sports balls segment is approximately 200-strong, with businesses found throughout the provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu, and Shanghai.

There are 300 or so skate and skateboard factories, with roughly one-third operating in Zhejiang. Most purchase components from Yongkang and only conduct assembly in-house.

Water sports equipment suppliers number about 400 and are largely based in Guangdong and Jiangsu.