Frying pans

	Model LH-TM20 from Zhejiang Leader can have a Teflon, Whitford or AkzoNobel nonstick coating.

Makers in China’s hardware capital boast established processing techniques that help them yield quality models.

Armed with extensive experience in metalworking and a potent supply network, Yongkang enjoys the reputation of being China’s principal manufacturing base for frying pans. The hub currently contributes more than 70 percent of the country’s total output in the line.

Recognized as China’s hardware capital, this city in Zhejiang province is home to 1,000 metal-processing factories. Most of these specialists boast automated equipment for stamping, punching, pressing, molding, engraving, polishing and electroplating. Additionally, they employ workers who have expertise in manual detailing.

Further, makers can subcontract painting of product exteriors to about 200 local enterprises.

Yongkang also hosts some of the major food-grade frying pan coating developers and applicators in China. In fact, two of the companies interviewed for this report have acquired an official license from DuPont, allowing them to incorporate the latter’s patented nonstick coatings.

The hub’s well-established materials network is another advantage. There are approximately 200 suppliers that offer several metal variants, including cold-rolled stainless steel, aluminum and iron. Moreover, one of the country’s major wholesale markets for metal and cookware components is located in the city.

The Yongkang Hardware City accommodates the sales booths of Bao Steel and other large material providers. Developers of parts such as knobs, Bakelite handles and tempered glass lids have also set up front offices and warehouses within the market.

Such benefits enable Yongkang frying pan makers to sustain large-volume manufacturing. In fact, the city yields as many as 800,000 pieces each day. Other cookware products such as saucepans, steamers and casseroles are available.

Suppliers can offer competitively priced models as well. On average, frying pans from Yongkang are 25 percent less expensive than those made in some rival hubs, including Taiwan and Hong Kong.

In addition, the city’s edge in metalworking and materials accessibility enables companies to expedite production significantly. At most makers, for instance, prototypes that require new molds take between 10 and 15 days to be completed.

The hub’s frying pan supplier base is composed of about 250 SMEs. With workforces of 100 to 300, manufacturers have a monthly capacity of at least 100,000 pieces.

OEM orders dominate exports. Products are shipped to more than 100 countries and territories, with the US, Europe, Russia and Southeast Asia as the main destinations. Major customers include Cisor, Castey, Concord, Elo, Akwara and Bob Home.

Specifically, the surfaces of Teflon models can withstand heating at 260 C. These also have a friction coefficient ranging from 0.05 to 0.20, causing the fried food to slide around easily even without using cooking oil.

Among suppliers featured, Nanlong Latim Kitchenware Co. Ltd employs Teflon in its nonstick cookware. Releases have two or three layers of this material. They come with 5.5mm-thick aluminum bases.

Nanlong Latim is one of the few China companies that are licensed by DuPont to apply the latter’s special coatings. In fact, it subjects in-house painting equipment to annual auditing by DuPont’s representatives.

The ISO 9001:2000-certified supplier markets 70 percent of exports under the in-house Latim brand. The US, Europe and Japan are the main importers.

Similarly, Zhejiang Leader Kitchen Articles Co. Ltd has secured authorization from DuPont. Products have 1.2mm-thick cold-rolled steel interiors and porcelain enamel exteriors.

One of the company’s latest releases is model LH-EN18F, which features water-based PTFE coating. Fitted with a Bakelite handle, the frying pan is available in a diameter of 20, 22, 24, 26 or 20cm. Its outer part is made of Japan porcelain enamel fired at 900 C.

ISO 9001:2000-certified Zhejiang Leader also offers saucepans and pots, woks and bakeware. Highly export-oriented, it has manufactured for Ikea, Auchan, Carrefour and Lifetime.

Further, some suppliers are using alternative coatings developed by various specialists. Zhejiang Jiaxi Industry & Trade Co. Ltd, for example, employs components from US-based Whitford, AkzoNobel in the Netherlands, Shin Tek of Hong Kong and Japan’s Darkin.

The company has launched products featuring Xynflon, a patented water-based nonstick coating from Shin Tek. These include model JX-002, which comes in 1.8mm-thick aluminum. The 20cm-diameter frying pan is priced at $2.29.

At Zhejiang Feihong Industry & Trade Co. Ltd and Zhejiang Kailai Industrial & Trade Co Ltd, the latest designs incorporate components developed by South Korea’s DRO. Releases from both suppliers are mostly in die-cast aluminum.

Zhejiang Feihong’s frying pans are priced between $2 and $5, depending on the thickness and surface coating.

Adding value, Zhejiang Kailai ships some products with dishwasher-safe tempered glass lids. These are available in diameters of 6, 18 20, 24, 26, 28 and 30cm.

New models from ISO 9001:2000-certified Kangshuai Co. Ltd boast multiple layers of Whitford coating for optimum performance.They are equipped with Bakelite, wooden or stainless steel handles.

A specialist in nonstick cookware, Kangshuai offers pots and pans in carbon steel, and cast aluminum and iron. To ensure quality, it sources materials from Bao Steel, one of the country’s largest metal manufacturers.

Yongkang frying pans start at $2 each. Low-end versions come mostly in thin constructions and without special coatings. Strings or hooks may be attached on the handles for easy storage.

Upscale designs are made from a combination of two or more metal types, and have nonstick surfaces. Fitted with Bakelite grips, these boast two- or three-layer bottoms for enhanced heat distribution. Prices exceed $20.

The material, thickness, size and other features are the quote determinants.

Some Yongkang companies are expecting prices to jump significantly in the next 12 months.