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American hypermarket chain Meijer announced today (March 24) that it has opened its first direct sourcing office in Hong Kong, strategically improving its global supply chain and implementing innovative solutions with its suppliers in Asia.
Meijer is one of the largest privately owned retailers in the US, and provides a one-stop shopping experience for over 40 product categories including apparel, automotive, home decor, pharmacy, electronics and pet products. The sourcing office in Hong Kong, Meijer Trading Ltd, is the first Meijer operation outside the US and will offer a platform to expand Meijer's sourcing activities throughout Asia.
Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr Hank Meijer said, "As a major and central hub for business in Asia, Hong Kong appeared to be the most efficient and business friendly place to start our operations."
The team at Meijer Trading Ltd will be responsible for the sourcing, quality assurance and quality control of its sourcing factories manufacturing in Asia. Meijer Trading Ltd will also play a key role to ensure the highest standards of social compliance are implemented in the factories selected to manufacture Meijer's own brand products. The Hong Kong operation will cover all of Asia Pacific, with an expectation of significant growth in the future.
The Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Andrew Davis, welcomed Meijer's sourcing office in Hong Kong. "Our city is one of the world's most efficient logistics and distribution hubs, and we are close to many strategic manufacturing bases in Mainland China and other parts of Asia. These offer overseas companies, such as Meijer, an increased efficiency by working closely with strategic partners at all levels of the value chain," he said.
About Meijer
Established in 1934, Meijer is a US-based family-owned hypermarket chain that operates more than 210 supercentres and employs more than 60 000 employees in five states. Its commitment is fulfilled through excellent customer service, low prices, quality foods and broad selections of national and Meijer brand items. The retailer also supports a wide variety of non-profit making organisations by donating a portion of net profits to charity each year. For more information, please visit www.meijer.com .
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for foreign direct investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As of December 2013, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 3 090 investment projects creating more than 34 900 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over HK$82 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk .
For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157642825428103/ .
Ends/Monday, March 24, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:20
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