When Grace (China) Co., Ltd. celebrated its 20th anniversary, the company stood as a symbol of China's early openness to foreign investment. As one of the first approved foreign-funded enterprises in the People’s Republic of China, it has grown significantly over the years. A reporter recently sat down with Xu Lijie, the newly appointed president of Grace (China), for an in-depth conversation about the company’s journey and future.
Xu Lijie shared that Grace established Grace (China) Co., Ltd. in 1986 within the Minhang Economic Development Zone in Shanghai, marking it as the country’s first wholly foreign-owned enterprise. Initially, the company focused on producing sealant products for major global brands such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Tsingdao Brewery. Over time, Grace expanded its product line to include concrete additives, which were used in nearly every major construction project across China. To support this growth, the company set up two factories in Zengcheng, Guangdong, and Tanggu, Tianjin, to produce “Made in China†cement and concrete additives.
Today, Grace has built a strong sales network throughout China and established technical service centers in Shunde, Guangdong; Shanghai Minhang; and Beijing, offering customized solutions tailored to local needs. The company has seen consistent growth, with sales rising by 30% year-on-year in the first half of this year alone.
Reflecting on the company’s development, Xu Lijie emphasized that China is a dynamic and ever-changing market. He described the country as “magical,†noting that its rapid economic growth presents significant opportunities for international businesses like Grace. While Grace’s Asia-Pacific operations currently make up 15% of the global business, China accounts for just 3%—a figure that Xu believes will grow in the coming years.
Grace, a global leader in specialty chemicals, is increasingly focusing on China as a key market. Recently, the company appointed Fan Sida as CEO, who has expressed strong confidence in China’s long-term potential. In response, Grace has taken several strategic steps, including relocating the Asia-Pacific business unit manager to Shanghai in April. The company plans to centralize its sales and procurement operations in China through Shanghai and establish Grace China’s regional headquarters there this year.
Xu Lijie added that every business segment under Grace holds great promise in China. From consumer goods like Gap products to building materials, from pharmaceutical development to environmental technologies, and from refined fuels to plastic products, Grace remains at the forefront of innovation. The company is also planning a new investment in China to ensure continued growth in the next few years.
As the interview concluded, Xu Lijie offered a final reflection: “The source flows longer, and the horse moves forward. We look forward to a better future in China.†His words underscored not only the company’s optimism but also its deep commitment to the Chinese market.
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