Business Life: Savcor Avcor: A new solution provider 
cctv.com 09-15-2003 16:58
The Chinese market has drawn international companies' interest with its stunning growth and vibrancy. Savcor, established in Finland in 1981 and a solution provider particularly in anti-corrosion and GPS container positioning systems, started to tread its way into China two years ago. However, its business development in the country didn't really take off until last September. In today's business life, let's follow them on their most recent business trip to see what solutions they can provide.
It was a day to celebrate for Savcor: 14th September last year when its second mobile coating production line in China started operation in the capital city. This was covered by prime-time economic news on the national broadcaster.
Savcor, a new arrival on the Chinese market from Finland, bears an honor back home as the winner of the 2002 Presidential Award of Foreign Trade. With a philosophy of melding hi-tech into traditional industries, Savcor offers solutions and technological services in corrosion prevention, GPS positioning systems and telecommunications, the first two areas are exactly where Savcor has chosen to penetrate the Chinese market.
Savcor leads in the fields of repair, rehabilitation, protection and maintenance, to extend the life of buildings, infrastructure and industrial assets, with advanced technologies to actively prevent corrosion. Savcor has also developed systems to improve the efficiency of container terminals' material handling process by using real-time position information and wireless communications technology.
A key national project and to be completed by 2008, the Hangzhou Bay Bridge runs 36 kilometers across the sea linking Ningbo and Shanghai. The key infrastructure will predictably play an important role in further enhancing the regional economic growth. The lifespan of the bridge is to be 100 years, the first time ever in Chinese bridge construction history.
At the seminar held at the Bridge Headquarters, Sacvor demonstrated its latest technology in anti-corrosion, which is the external current cathodic protection system. The presentation also gave Savcor an understanding of the three main measures taken in China in dealing with corrosion, including coatings and sacrificing anodes.
The seminar extended to the afternoon when the two sides discussed price issues. Savcor was required to deliver their proposal as soon as possible.
Huang Yanqing, Vice Chief Engineer, Bridge Reconnaissance and Design Institute, said, ” Theoretically, their proposal has an advantage in dealing with seawater corrosion. But we don't have those materials needed. And we have no idea about the costs.“
Though a new technology, the reaction from both the scientists and the Bridge authority seemed all positive.
Lu Zhongda, Vice Chief Commander of Hangzhou Bay Bridge Construction Headquarters, said, “The experts from Finland have brought us the world's latest technology in anti-corrosion. I believe the chance for cooperation is high after we consider the whole issue.
Nobody would believe that it had been entirely a different scenario before this happened. In the coming years, Tianjin will build ten more berths, while Shanghai and Guangzhou's figures are set to reach 35 and 50. With such aggressive expansion plans, corrosion is obviously a key problem to be addressed.
Tian Junfeng, R & D Manager of China Harbour Engineering Company, said, “The market demand is high, I'd say Savcor's system costs more, compared to the three measures we've been using. But from a long-term perspective, it's still economical. It depends pretty much on the overall balance between technology and cost.
Tianjin Port, an important international hub especially for container and logistic development in China's north, has reached a throughput of over 100 million tons in 2001. It is also a major gateway for trade in the neighbouring region, including the capital.
Tianjin Port has been known in the trade for its frontline role in adopting new technologies. And this time Savcor is the only foreign company among the six bidding for the GPS container positioning system.
The site investigation of the Finland expert team shows that the existing equipment in Tianjin port is modern and advanced, which would make the installation of the GPS system easier.
Editor:Zhang Wenjie Source:CCTV.com
