NEW YORK CITY — January 4, 2012 — Material ConneXion today announced it has opened a new office in Shanghai, it's second in China, to support clients with business interests in the region. The company already serves many international clients from its offices in the USA, Europe and this is the fifth location in Asia, recognition of the vital importance of the region to global sourcing and manufacturing. Material ConneXion Shanghai, based in the city's Jiading district, includes a physical library of some 500 materials as well as access to an extensive online database of more than 6,500 materials. Shanghai is China's largest city and is home to the corporate regional headquarters of more than 500 multinational companies, including Volkswagen and General Motors. The Shanghai region, including the two adjoining provinces, accounts for 30% of China's foreign exports and attracts a quarter of all foreign investment into the country. More than 20% of its manufacturing output is produced here, making it one of the world's most dynamic centers of commerce. 

The success of Material ConneXion Beijing, which opened in October of 2011, continues the long-term expansion plan of opening ten Material ConneXion locations in China by 2015. The locations in Beijing and Shanghai and by the end of 2012, Guangzhou, provide a strategic beachhead for material development, research and outsourcing in a country that is so prominent in this field. "Our client's businesses intersect more and more with the powerful economic engine of China," said Michele Caniato, president of Material ConneXion. "In keeping with our company's strategy of bringing a localized approach to international innovation, we are pleased to have expanded our presence in China, enabling a full service subsidiary for both European and North American clients ready to move forward with business in the Shanghai region."  

With the opening of the Shanghai location, Material ConneXion now offers North American and European companies the same wide array of material innovation services in China, including materials research, material sourcing, new product development and innovation consulting. 

This new location enables Material ConneXion to further support international companies looking to do business in this fast growing market. "With the launch of Material ConneXion Beijing in Q3 of 2011 we were able to provide our Chinese clients a local presence with connections to Europe and America," said Zhong Cong, CEO of Material ConneXion Shanghai. "Our ability to research material innovation for clients in China to complement their global objectives, makes us an attractive business partner in Shanghai and abroad. With our close collaboration with Beijing and our worldwide offices, Material ConneXion is able to offer, incorporate and expand international material solutions with local expertise for manufacturing and production advancement," he added. 

"The increased Chinese presence of Material ConneXion in conjunction with our upcoming launch of Luxe Interiors + Design China in February 2012, adds to the reach of our publications Furniture Today, Luxe and Surface China," said Adam I. Sandow, CEO of Sandow Media, the parent company of Material ConneXion. "I see our growth in the region as fundamental since the country is such a dominant cultural and economic force in the world today, particularly in the luxury market." 

"The future of innovation relies on Chinese resources and potential," said George M. Beylerian, founder of Material ConneXion, who attended the opening.  "With a strong team in Shanghai working alongside our colleagues around the world, we are positioned to provide the type of exemplary service for clients with interests in China that Material ConneXion is known for. Our clients in Asia, the United States, and Europe will also benefit from on-the-ground expertise for their strategic initiatives in the mainland." 

The company's Shanghai office will be led by Rainbow Xie, General Manager.

Material ConneXion Shanghai will be located at: 
Material ConneXion Shanghai 
2nd Floor, 5th Building, No. 1082 Huyi Road, 
Nanxiang Town, Jiading District, Shanghai, China, 201802
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday   09:00AM to 6:00PM

Posted on January 18, 2012

Source: Material ConneXion