Navigating China’s Markets
SCHREINER GROUP
Navigating China’s Markets
Since joining Schreiner Group in 2008 as the first employee in China, Jamie Long has played a pivotal role in the company’s remarkable regional business development. In 2015, he oversaw the setting up, opening, and expanding of Schreiner Group’s first production facility in China. The demand was so strong that the facility soon became too small to accommodate the company’s rapid growth. This led to the relocation in 2022 to the state-of-the-art production site in Jinshan. In this interview, Jamie Long, General Manager of Schreiner Group Ltd. China, reflects on the challenges of navigating a dynamic market, the opportunities for growth in emerging industries, and the strategies that make Schreiner Group a standout employer in China.
The Jinshan site is nearly three times larger than the previous facility. How has the additional space been utilized, and what are the plans moving forward?
The relocation has allowed us to install new machines for both Schreiner ProTech and Schreiner MediPharm, accommodating their growing demands. With MediPharm’s business rapidly developing in China, it’s likely the reserved space will be dedicated to expanding this division, ensuring we stay ahead in serving the pharmaceutical market. Additionally, sustainability is a key focus. We currently source 25 percent of our energy from solar power and actively encourage employees to drive electric cars— 20 percent of our team have already adopted this practice.
The Chinese market is known for its competitiveness. What challenges do you face, and how are you addressing them?
Market fluctuation is a constant challenge, particularly in the solar and automotive industries. To adapt, we’ve implemented dynamic marketing strategies and successfully launched local material sourcing projects to remain cost-competitive. Additionally, fierce competition—both local and international—drives us to leverage the strong technical and innovative support from our headquarters, ensuring we maintain a robust foundation to meet these challenges.
Where do you see the greatest opportunities for growth in China?
Schreiner Group has strong growth potential in established sectors like automotive and pharmaceuticals. However, emerging industries such as e-mobility, autonomous driving, and AI-driven solutions present exciting new opportunities. We are also focusing on local partnerships and production capabilities, particularly for MediPharm, to strengthen our market presence and meet the unique demands of this dynamic region.
Employee retention at Jinshan is exceptionally high. What makes Schreiner Group such an attractive employer in China?
Jamie Long: Employee retention is indeed a point of pride for us. While turnover is typically high in China, our strong corporate values set us apart. As a family-owned company, Schreiner Group prioritizes taking care of its employees like family. For instance, our new Jinshan site provides not only a larger facility but also a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment that fosters long-term commitment. This sense of security and belonging, paired with our dedication to sustainability, motivates our team to grow with us.
