Industry overview

Contributing 15 percent of world supply, China’s whiteboards industry has more than 450 makers. These are located primarily in Shanghai and Beijing, and the provinces of Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu.

Many companies are capable of performing all production processes in-house. Most operate their own factories equipped with machines for cutting, spray-painting and printing. Some outsource packaging and accessories such as markers, magnets and pushpins.

While there are only a few China suppliers that specialize in whiteboards, the majority offer the product as a primary category. In most companies, the line accounts for more than one-third of total output. Various promotional and stationery items such as keychains, glow-in-the-dark novelties, file holders, refrigerator magnets and ballpoint pens make up the rest.

Reaching $600 million in 2007, export sales are driven by contract work. In fact, 80 percent of the suppliers interviewed for this report cater largely to OEM clients. Although at a gradual pace, an increasing number of suppliers, however, are building in-house brands to ensure long-term competitiveness overseas.

Exports go mainly to North and South America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Responding to demand in key markets, most China makers are complying with international standards on product safety.

Whiteboards account for 40 percent of Beijing Stronger Rich’s output. Keychains, glow-in-the-dark novelties, and passport and check holders also offered.

The ISO 9001-certified company has three factories with a combined area of 5,000sqm. There are 1,500 workers, including R&D and QC teams of 10 members each.

Exports go mainly to the US, France, Australia and the UK. Ten percent of shipments are under ODM, while the rest are contract work.

Beijing Stronger Rich projects 20 percent sales growth in the next 12 months.

Company facts
Location	Beijing, China
Year established	2004
Business type	Manufacturer: Direct exporter
Annual sales	$0.8mn
Annual export sales	$0.8mn
Total monthly capacity	250,000 pieces
Average monthly output	250,000 pieces
Capacity utilized	100%
Average monthly exports	250,000 pieces
Export ratio	80%
OEM/ODM % of exports	90%

ISO 9001:2000-certified Elen supplies promotional, gift, and stationery products, including whiteboards, which account for 30 percent of output.

Manufacturing is done at an 8,000sqm factory equipped with five heat-press machines. There are 500 workers, including 30 QC specialists.

The 20-member R&D team releases 10 models each month. It takes seven days to prepare samples. Products bear the CE mark.

Europe and the Middle East are the main markets. Twenty percent of shipments are under OBM.

Elen projects 25 percent sales growth in the next 12 months.

Company facts
Location	Zhejiang, China
Year established	2004
Business type	Manufacturer: Direct exporter
Annual sales	$1mn
Annual export sales	$1mn
Total monthly capacity	30,000 pieces
Average monthly output	20,000 pieces
Capacity utilized	67%
Average monthly exports	20,000 pieces
Export ratio	100%
OEM/ODM % of exports	80%

Whiteboards make up 35 percent of output at IS0 9000:2001-certified Fusin. The company also offers promotional T-shirts and caps, glow-in-the-dark novelties, and skin care and treatment products. Releases conform to the EN 71 standard.

Manufacturing is done at a 15,000sqm factory equipped with eight heat-press, three cutting and three spray-painting machines. Of the 120 workers, 10 handle QC.

Ten percent of exports are under the in-house Joyroad brand. The six-member R&D team launches five designs each month. Samples are completed within seven days.

The main markets are North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Twenty percent sales growth is expected in the next 12 months.

Company facts
Location	Anhui, China
Year established	2002
Business type	Manufacturer: Direct exporter
Annual sales	$0.8mn
Annual export sales	$0.8mn
Total monthly capacity	25,000 pieces
Average monthly output	15,000 pieces
Capacity utilized	60%
Average monthly exports	15,000 pieces
Export ratio	100%
OEM/ODM % of exports	90%

Ricon offers stationery and office supplies, gift and promotional items and outdoor products. whiteboards account for 35 percent of total output.

The ISO 9000-certified company has an 8,000sqm factory with 150 employees. The QC and R&D teams have 15 and 10 members, respectively.

Five models are launched each month. It takes seven days to develop a sample. Products bear the CE mark.

The main markets are North and South America. All exports go to OEM clients.

Sales are projected to increase by 5 percent in the next 12 months.

Company facts
Location	Shanghai, China
Year established	2000
Business type	Manufacturer: Exports via agent
Annual sales	$0.1mn
Annual export sales	$0.1mn
Total monthly capacity	8,000 pieces
Average monthly output	6,000 pieces
Capacity utilized	75%
Average monthly exports	5,000 pieces
Export ratio	83%
OEM/ODM % of exports	100%

ISO 9001:2000-certified Shaanxi Leap devotes 50 percent of production to whiteboards. Promotional writing instruments, pen and candle holders, holiday decorations and wooden crafts are also offered.

The company has two factories with a combined area of 6,000sqm. There are 200 workers, including eight QC specialists.

The six-member product development team releases 18 designs each month. Samples take seven days to complete.

North and South America, Europe and Japan are the main markets. Half of exports are under OBM. Products conform to the EN 71 standard.

Shaanxi Leap projects sales to increase by 20 percent in the next 12 months.

Company facts
Location	Shaanxi, China
Year established	1998
Business type	Manufacturer: Direct exporter
Annual sales	$2mn
Annual export sales	$2mn
Total monthly capacity	80,000 pieces
Average monthly output	60,000 pieces
Capacity utilized	75%
Average monthly exports	60,000 pieces
Export ratio	100%
OEM/ODM % of exports	50%