Investing in Chinese manufacturing - Changing the Paradigm
A Perspective on the Packaging Industry
from Bruce Caldwell - Manager - Corrugated & Digital - Kissel+Wolf Australia
“I can clearly remember my grandfather saying, “Don’t buy the Chinese ones, boy — they’re cheap, but they won’t last.”
At the time, perhaps there was some truth in that sentiment.
But that was then.
At the recent ProPack Forum in Sydney, several respected and influential industry leaders openly praised the development, innovation, and quality of Chinese and Southeast Asian (SEA) products. Some went further — suggesting that manufacturers in Europe, the US and Israel should be paying close attention. The price-to-performance ratio of Chinese equipment is now a genuine consideration in future capital investment decisions.
With companies under pressure to increase revenue while reducing capital expenditure, faster capital write-down and accelerated breakeven have never been more relevant — particularly given the similarities in performance, service capability, and highly competitive consumables pricing.
This is not to suggest that traditional Western manufacturers are falling behind or producing questionable digital presses. Organisations such as HP, Durst, EFI and Kodak have invested heavily over decades to build the digital roadmap that transformed our industry.
During my 20+ years at HP, I witnessed firsthand the technological evolution that reshaped markets and improved profitability. The transition from analogue to digital did not happen by chance — it was driven by sustained R&D investment, engineering excellence, and long-term strategic vision.
However, the landscape is shifting.
There are now more choices — reliable, robust, and commercially compelling choices — capable of generating payback and reaching breakeven significantly faster.
Many companies still opt for the traditional route for understandable reasons:
Familiarity – Loyalty - Brand recognition - Established service infrastructure.
And sometimes — less compellingly — Simple resistance to change.
Yet the global mindset is evolving.
Look no further than the automotive sector. Whether electric, hybrid or internal combustion, Asian manufacturers are rapidly increasing their global footprint. This growth stems from improved quality control, stronger engineering capability, scale advantages, and a willingness to collaborate with Western partners to enhance technological development.
In Australia alone, Chinese-origin brands now represent approximately 20% of new vehicle sales. Projections suggest that by 2035, up to 50% of global car sales could be manufactured in China. And this does not account for the broader strength of other Southeast Asian manufacturing hubs.
The pattern is clear.
China and SEA are no longer competing purely on price. They are competing on innovation, quality, speed to market and commercial viability.
A New Chapter – Hanglory Group
In representing Hanglory Group across Australia and New Zealand, we feel privileged — and strategically positioned — to partner with ANZ companies that have both imagination and drive.
The drive to think differently.
The drive to succeed.
Hanglory Group is recognised globally for its digital print innovation and numerous international awards. The 2026 product releases are particularly impressive, unified by a clear environmental direction: water-based inks are the future of digital print.
The new single-pass suite — available for both rigid and roll-to-sheet applications — represents a genuine step change. Add the new NOVA 1200, delivering high-speed printing on metal substrates, and the portfolio becomes dynamic, competitive, and commercially compelling.
Recent installations at leading print and packaging organisations such as Opal and Pratt Industries (Visy Group) demonstrate that forward-thinking companies are already challenging the norm.
The paradigm is shifting.
Hanway’s Revo2500 Inline Corrugated Inkjet Printer
Hanglobal’s Advanced Technical Manufacturing Floor in Shenzhen China.
The real question is no longer whether Chinese digital manufacturers can compete.
It is whether we are prepared to rethink long-held assumptions.
If you would like to think differently — to view product videos, review technical specifications or explore what the future could look like — please get in touch.
We are organising upcoming customer visits to the Hanglory manufacturing plant in Shenzhen, China, including personalised tours and introductions at the following 2026 exhibitions:
Printing South China – Guangzhou: March 4th to 6th
Sino Corrugated (WEPACK) China – April 15th – 17th May.
Metpack Germany – Essen: May 5th - 8th
FESPA Global Print Expo – Barcelona: May 19th – 22nd
Digital Print China – Shanghai: September 15th –17th
If you would like assistance arranging a personal tour or technical briefing at any of these events, we would be delighted to coordinate it for you. No obligation, just a more comfortable way to maximise your visit and experience. We will showcase the Kissel and Wolf portfolio, and our various partnerships with market leaders in digital print, packaging and converting.
The opportunity is here.
The shift is real.
The decision is yours.
Kind Regards,
Bruce Caldwell
