While it's no secret that the Chinese economy is growing by leaps and bounds, the statistics backing up that claim to fame are impressive. Government numbers released recently say Chinese GDP grew 9.9 percent last year. That's on par with growth in 2004 and 2003, and the expansion is expected to stay near the double-digit mark for 2006.

One field exemplifying this growth in China is the commercial and package-printing market. To help solidify the business and put China on the world map as a printing supplier, the government established in December a new 583-acre "printing packing city" to be located in Kunming in the southwest Chinese province of Yunnan. More than US$250 million will be invested in the Kunming Dabanqiao Industrial Area to hopes of attracting 100 printing companies. When it is fully operational in June 2007, the zone will include areas for book/magazine printing, commercial printing, package printing and converting, a printing museum and a technical institute.

Ipswich, UK-based Ashe Converting Equipment is one supplier that has found success with several recent slitter/rewinder installations across China. "Our tally of machine sales to Chinese printers, converters and packaging producers now totals 21," says Ashe chief engineer Keith Fordham. The machines sold are primarily standard and custom Sapphire slitters, varying in complexity, but also include several rewinder machines, and a state-of-the-art Jade primary film slitter. The Sapphire slitters have been supplied for processing flexible packaging, cigarette wrapping papers, and both printed and unprinted films.

ASHE CONVERTING EQUIPMENT , 44/1473-710-912, fax: 44/1473-719-137, www.ashe.co.uk