Overseas Trade Shows and Factory Visits

Global Sourcing and Manufacturing: Wurlin’s Recent Trip to East Asia

Managing Director Steve Hill and Logistics Manager Greg Depledge recently returned from a productive trip to Hong Kong, China, and Vietnam. By attending various international trade shows and visiting key manufacturing facilities, the team ensured Wurlin remains at the forefront of merchandise innovation and ethical production.

Exploring the Latest Trends at Trade Shows

The trip kicked off with a series of trade shows, providing a vital platform to scout the next big thing in the merchandise world. These events are essential for:

• Meeting with our long-standing existing suppliers.

• Sourcing and vetting potential new partners to expand our range.

• Identifying emerging design trends and sustainable materials.

Inside the Factories: Quality Control and Innovation

A cornerstone of the Wurlin Group’s philosophy is maintaining a hands-on relationship with our manufacturers. Visiting our partners in China allowed the team to deep-dive into the technical processes of our three core areas: umbrellas, bags, and metalwork.

1. The Art of Umbrella Craftsmanship

At the umbrella factory, Steve and Greg reviewed the end-to-end production line. This included the precision cutting of fabric, the intricate sewing of panels, and the final attachment of the canopy to the frame. They also oversaw the rigorous testing and packing processes required for international dispatch, while discussing exciting new product developments for The Umbrella Workshop.

2. Advanced Bag Construction and Design

The visit to our bag factory highlighted significant facility upgrades. Steve explored new construction features, such as specialised piping, lining, and edge painting. Observing the various workstations—from handle fixing to onsite digital and screen printing—reinforced our commitment to understanding the full scope of our factory’s evolving capabilities.

3. Precision Metalwork and Bespoke Moulding

With a partnership spanning over a decade, our metalwork factory continues to deliver exceptional results—from advertising jewellery for Adidas to bespoke pin badges and keyrings for high-street brands.

The Process: We provide 2D sketches which the factory converts into 3D designs. These are then used to create brass moulds for forging, with final elements cut using water-jet lasers and computer-controlled lathes.

A Productive Outlook

Though the trip was brief, it was incredibly valuable. Steve and Greg returned with a wealth of fresh ideas and innovations. Most importantly, the visit reaffirmed our confidence in our manufacturing partners, ensuring that Wurlin continues to deliver high-quality, ethically produced merchandise to our clients worldwide.

Interested in bespoke sourcing for your brand? Contact the Wurlin team today.

+44 (0) 1225 667979