Valve production has always been considered a part of the traditional manufacturing industry. However, Shandong Sanhuali Mechanical Science and Technology, part of the advanced manufacturing industry in Weifang Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, is breaking the mould.

The company, which owns 46 national patents, has grown into a national-level high-tech company and has set industrial standards in the manufacturing of freeze-proof valves. Its products have been distributed in many European countries and regions.

Sun Zhanbiao, the founder of Sanhuali, did not start frost valve development until 2008, when his foundry production business came under pressure to undertake an industrial upgrade.

Sun Zhanbiao, founder of Sanhuali, displays the company's solar-energy powered freeze-proof system.

Sun launched Sanhuali in 2008 with the aim of developing new types of water pipes with low-temperature and freeze protection technologies, to provide products suitable for residents in cold areas. He also saw it as a way to upgrade his foundry business.

"In the 1990s, it was common for rural families to report that their water pipes had either frozen or cracked in winter," Sun said. "People had to buy a range of different products to try and protect their pipes, which was both time and cost intensive. And, of course, nothing can completely prevent the freezing and cracking of pipes."

Sun said that the freeze protection valve was a new concept in China in 2008. At the time, Japan was the only country engaged in the development of freeze protection valves.

Sun encountered a number of initial obstacles when he decided to develop the valves. He found that both the employees in his foundry businesses and his family members were opposed to his plans.

Despite this, Sun was convinced that his plans to produce freeze-proof valves would be successful.

He tested his newly developed valves in harsh conditions - Northeast China in winter - so that he could be sure Sanhuali's products would work in temperatures as low as -50 C.

Sanhuali has built strong brand awareness in China after nearly nine years spent developing its product. Its clients include Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu province and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

Linuo Paradigma, a Sino-German joint venture in Shandong province, which focuses on the development of solar energy products, has established a cooperation agreement with Sanhuali.

"We took more than 10 years to develop freeze-proofing technologies. But I think Sanhuali is more professional in this area," a project manager from Linuo Paradigma said.

Sun feels very positive about future development. According to Sun, China has more than 1,600 counties that will need around 700,000 freezeproof valves in winter over the next 10 years. Orders from foreign countries such as Russia will also support Sanhuali's growth.

The company's annual production capacity reached 2 million units in early January. The company is also focused on expanding its distribution network around China. There are also 68 distributors in some of the country's coldest areas.

Its sales team is keen to seize business opportunities in European countries. Sanhuali has obtained permission to put the CE mark on its products, which denotes that they comply with European Union safety, health and environmental requirements. The company hopes this will boost its expansion in Europe.

"We will develop products to support smart city construction, public safety system development and eco-agriculture. We hope we can promote energy saving and help to improve people's lives in cities," Sun said.