A Woodworking Show in China
Off in the other direction today, to Guangzhou. I had never been to Guangzhou before, and was looking forward to the visit. Guangzhou is at the upper end of the Pearl River Delta, about an hour from Dongguan. It was formerly known as Canton, and is the home of Cantonese food and over 10 million people. It was enjoyable trip, although long and laborious at times.Our destination was an Exposition Center for a Woodworking Machinery and Materials Show, coupled with a Textile Machinery showing at the same time. It turned out to be much bigger than I expected. I thought it would be about the size of Greensboro show, but it was much bigger. The hall was large and impressive. It did not compare to Atlanta or Milan shows, but it was still pretty good.
Our group of 13 from the factory got a demonstration of a new sanding machine we are to receive in a few weeks. We also found an impressive low cost laser machine for veneer and metal, and we saw a few opportunities in materials.
It was sure fun seeing the machinery. I usually see a lot of friends at every corner at these shows. Not at this one. I did see a couple of local sales reps I’ve met over here, but that was about all at this event. In Atlanta, I can’t go down an aisle without seeing several former associates. So even though it may have looked like a good ole US woodworking show, the Chinese characters on the machines and not seeing friends and associates at every corner sure kept the perspective that this wasn’t home.
After touring a few hours, we headed into Guangzhou for a BIG late luncheon. It was great. Food kept coming out of the kitchen. We had at least ten kinds of dim sum. As usual over here, it was quite a meal, even if it was without any unique foods. Two of my associates did jump at the chance to devour the couple of fish heads and tails. They remarked in something that translated that: “it is right in completing the front and end”. I didn’t join in.
posted by A Bryson (formerly) in China @ 9:05 AM
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