Innovation fuels Cixi sports industry

The sporting goods industry of Cixi, a county-level city in Ningbo, is experiencing rapid growth, with a focus on innovation and international collaboration.

Kuer Group, a leading player in the industry, has showcased its innovative capabilities with a revolutionary kayak. Li Dehong, the company's chairman, revealed that the company has incorporated advanced materials, processes, and molds to create a kayak that seamlessly blends sea fishing with leisure. This kayak is produced in just six minutes at the company's automated blow-molding kayak facility.

According to Li, the emphasis on healthy lifestyles among Chinese people, coupled with the promotion of events such as the Olympics and Asian Games, has gradually heated up demand for water sports in China. In Europe and the United States, water sports such as sea fishing and rowing are already highly popular.

To seize this opportunity, Kuer has deepened cooperation with overseas brands while focusing on innovation. In the past two years, the company has introduced seven new production lines, added over 300 molds, and developed more than 100 new products.

It has also strengthened its global presence by acquiring the European brand "Galaxy." This acquisition has opened up new opportunities for collaboration in product innovation, brand promotion, and market expansion.

"The acquisition is a game-changer for us," said Li, "It allows us to tap into new markets and explore new avenues for growth. We are actively working with Galaxy to develop new marketing strategies for our kayak lines and are excited about the potential for future collaborations."

Meanwhile, other companies in Cixi's sporting goods sector are also contributing to the industry's growth. Zhexin (Ningbo) Technology Co Ltd, known for its lithium-battery powered electric surfboards, and Ningbo Jinfeng Sports Equipment Co Ltd, which served as the official supplier for the Hangzhou Asian Games, are among the key players driving the high-quality development of the industry. 

Statistics from January to August this year indicate a 22.1-percent year-on-year increase in exports of sporting goods and equipment from Cixi. With a thriving sporting goods industry featuring over 800 enterprises listed in the national sports industry directory, Cixi is poised for continued growth and success.