tna opens Shanghai office to support China operations

Food packaging and processing supplier tna has expanded its operations in China and opened TNA Solutions (Shanghai) Co Ltd. Located in the Minhang district of Shanghai, the new office aims to improve support services for local food manufacturers.

The company opened its first Chinese manufacturing site in Qingdao in 2011, and aims to further establish its long-term commitment to its Chinese customers in the local food industry.

Statistics from GlobalData suggest that China’s GDP per capita grew at a CAGR of 8% during 2011–2016 and is one of the largest confectionery markets in the world, with a market value of US$15,584 million (AU$20,614 million) that is expected to grow further. This makes the area an attractive investment potential for consumer goods companies, and tna is hoping to further expand its reach in this region.

“China is one of the major economic players in the world and we’re delighted to be opening another site here as we continue to expand our global footprint,” said Alf Taylor, CEO at tna. “Our installation base in the country is well established, ranging from baggers, conveyors, fryers and seasoning equipment to complete potato processing and confectionery moulding lines. With our new Shanghai office we are even more accessible to our local customer base and provide them with the support they need to maximise the potential of our integrated packaging and processing solutions.”

General Manager Sean Xu will host both sales and technical service staff in the Shanghai office, drawing on his previous experience in providing customised processing and packaging solutions. His customer service focus and market insights will be useful in helping local food manufacturers reach higher efficiencies, enhance food safety, reduce waste and improve food quality.

“I’m thrilled to be joining tna at such an exciting time for the company. tna’s growth has been unprecedented in the last few years and its dedication to innovation and engineering excellence are renowned across the industry.

“The Chinese food industry is expected to grow faster than anywhere else in the world. It’s a huge and highly competitive market, but it’s also a market that is filled with opportunities. In particular, food safety and automation will be key issues over the next few years, something tna is well equipped for thanks to its comprehensive portfolio of integrated turnkey solutions. There is also a growing number of time-pressed consumers with higher disposable incomes, who desire confectionery products with new tastes and flavours, making it an ideal market for our flexible starch moulding technology from NID. Together, we’ll be able to equip local manufacturers with the tools and strategies they need to gain a stronger competitive advantage,” he explained.

As well as the new office, tna has developed a new Chinese website in which customers can view the company’s portfolio of turnkey products, alongside brochures, product sell sheets, demo videos, technical white papers and solution-based blogs.