
Originally Posted by
Fozzie Bear
Dear Tsikot colleagues,
Some of the comments regarding Chinese manufacturing capability posted on this thread make me sad when I read them so I want to put the record straight.
Take it from me as the Director of Engineering in a joint Taiwanese/US owned manufacturing facility, living and working in mainland China that they are successful in the world marketplace mainly because of the greed of western employees basically pricing themselves out of the market.
Why do I think you should listen to me....well my position within the company (and I'm talking about a US$400 million operation now with 7 factories from Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Ningbo and Shunde as well as Hong Kong) gives me quite a responsibility for product development and quality.
However the Chinese ability at inovation is extremely limited, in fact almost non-existant. The only thing that the Chinese are good at it COPYING.
I have personally seen more talent, more creativity and more dedication to quality here in Philippines than China, and recent news reports about the safety of imported products from there should not be taken lightly!
Consider this fact - They will find the cheapest possible material to manufacture something from irrespective of it's suitability for the task. I know this because I have to source components full time and it is an extremely frustrating task maintaining a reliable quality flow. What you see may look like what you expect, but that is where the similarity ends.
It saddens me because of the tremendous talent you have here at your disposal and the abundance of cheap labour (actually cheaper than China). Part of my new brief is to scout throughout the Philippines as an alternative source for my company's products. Believe me when I say that I am on your side!
I am relishing the thought of the Philippines becoming the next Asian super centre for world trade. You certainly have it in your capability. All that is needed is the political willpower and determination.
For the record, I am English and have a fabulously beautiful Pilipino wife and a home in Palawan.