Details on DS Smith China are unpacked

Firm plans are now in place for DS Smith China, the recently announced new venture from DS Smith, to begin operations this summer.

“This is a very exciting stage in the process of bringing DS Smith’s packaging expertise to the Chinese market. Each day brings us closer to helping manufacturers in China increase sales, lower costs and manage risks,” said Oliver Cottard, DS Smith’s Head of Industries. “Our in-house multi-material designers will focus on developing the best Total Cost of Ownership packaging concept. That means a minimum of material while guaranteeing performance. We will find, select, audit and qualify external packaging manufacturing partners and our in-house quality auditors will ensure that every pack meets stringent performance metrics.”

Based in Shanghai, DS Smith will work across the country connecting packaging suppliers and our global industrial partners.

“We will be a one-stop packaging shop for global customers with Chinese operations who need high-quality, multi-material packaging, world class expert service and innovative design to ensure their products are optimally protected at every stage of the global supply cycle,” said Andreas Guip, Managing Director of DS Smith China.

A team of dedicated packaging strategists is currently being built in time for trading to begin in July 2016.

“DS Smith will have the local expertise necessary to manage all our customers’ day to day supply operations,” continued Guip. “From receiving Purchase Orders to delivering packaging - our priority is to provide packaging that performs for our customers on their production lines right through to their end customer.” 

As one of Europe’s leading packaging companies, the move to China, and Shanghai specifically, is a reflection of the organisation’s supply cycle thinking; begin with packaging design and compliance expertise on the ground where many of the world’s products are made.

“Shanghai is the commercial and financial heart of mainland China where an impressive 39.3% of the region’s GDP comes from high end manufacturing such as automobiles, electronics, petrochemicals, and other equipment. Helping our customers in this important area is a logical step for DS Smith.” concluded Cottard.