Through a partnership with Craftsman Collision, Wedge Clamp has opened a new facility in Suzhou, China. The facility includes a 20,000-square-foot Craftsman Collision body shop, and within that, an 8,000-square-foot Wedge Clamp office and training facility.
“We first went to China in 2005, but it was difficult to find the right distributors,” sais Wedge Clamp President Desmond Chan. “We decided to set up our own office to expand our Asian base.”
Chan approached company customer Craftsman Collision, the largest independently owned body shop chain in Canada, about joining forces. After two visits, company owner Bill Hatswell and his team jumped aboard.
“In 1977, we began our mission to overhaul the body shop business in Western Canada,” said Hatswell, speaking at their 65 guest ceremony. “Now, 35 years later, we’re embarking on that same mission in China. I’m very optimistic we can succeed here as spectacularly as we have at home.”
Also present were Craftsman Vice President David Cant and General Manager of Real Estate Greg Hatswell, as well as British Columbia Government Trade Director John McDonald and Wuzhong District Mayor Xu Feng, along with industry representatives.
The festivities were briefly interrupted by a severe thunderstorm, only to have the clouds part and the sun shining minutes later, which, according to Chinese tradition, is a sign of success.
More information:
For more information on Wedge Clamp, visit them at SEMA Booth #10667, online at www.wedgeclamp.com or call 1-800-615-9949.
