UK tech provider expects China growth

A UK provider of specialized technology for high performance systems and equipment, e2v Technologies Plc, expects to have 25 to 30 percent annual revenue growth in the Chinese market in 2013.

The company earned $20 million in revenue from the Chinese market in 2012, said Paul Brown, e2v's Asian and Pacific president.

The Chinese market will contribute about 10 percent of its global sales in 2013, he said.

"The growth is much faster than the mature markets, such as the US and Europe," he said.

The company has three divisions providing radio frequency power, high performance imaging and hi-reliability semiconductor solutions. Its products are used in such industries as space imaging, fire fighting, rescue and security thermal imaging as well as radiotherapy treatment and cargo screening.

The imaging products used in the aerospace industry are the major growth driver in the Chinese market.

The company has been providing imaging sensors to the China Academy of Space Technology, which is responsible for the development and manufacture of Chinese spacecraft, including scientific research satellites and application satellites.

"China has developed very well in the aerospace area recently," said Brown.

In September 2011, China launched Temple One, which is the country's first target aircraft and space laboratory, followed by the launch of Shenzhou-9, one of the manned spacecrafts in its Shenzhou program, in June 2012.

China is expected to conclude its first unmanned moon exploration mission in 2017, Ouyang Ziyuan, chief scientist for its lunar probe project, said in September 2012.

Brown said, "China's development in the aerospace area supports the good business of our imaging products, since it is one of the core parts for the aerospace industry."

China's fast economic and social development gives e2v more business opportunities in other areas as well.

Radiotherapy, which is one of its main divisions, has seen a 10 to 15 percent annual rise in China, Brown said.

The growth is due to the country's rapidly expanding health and medical industry, he said.

The fast growth has enticed e2v to increase its investment in the Chinese market. The company announced the establishment of its first operational facility on the Chinese mainland on Monday.

The new facility, located in Zhongguancun Science Park in Beijing, will provide development technology support, production distribution, warehouse services and local products to its customers.

The first Chinese-made thermal imaging cameras will be shipped in February, Brown said.

More e2v products will be introduced at the facility in the future, he added.

The company is more than just a component supplier. CEO Keith Attwood said e2v is also turning into a system and solution provider, and needs to set up facilities close to its customers. "Our customers need us to be (in Beijing)," Attwood said.

The new facility will reduce distribution time and production costs, he added.

wangwen@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 02/06/2013 page16)