Gapuma’s Russell Brill Embarks on High-Speed Procurement Tour of China

26th April 2o25 From Chinaplas to Qingdao: Strengthening Global Partnerships Gapuma’s Procurement Director, Russell Brill, has just returned from a whistle-stop 10-day tour of China, visiting key trade fairs and suppliers across the country. His first stop was Chinaplas 2025, held this year in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. With over 4,000 exhibitors from 40 countries and more than 380,000 visitors, Chinaplas is one of the world’s largest exhibitions for the polymer industry. The event provided an excellent opportunity to meet with manufacturers, suppliers, and customers from across the global plastics sector. Strengthening Ties in Qingdao and Beyond After three busy days at Chinaplas, Russell travelled north to Qingdao in Shandong Province, located on China’s Yellow Sea coast. Qingdao, famous for its Tsingtao beer and as the training ground of Britain’s greatest Olympic sailor, is also home to Gapuma’s China office. Shandong is a strategic hub for Gapuma, hosting many of the company’s established suppliers and a wide range of key industries. During his stay, Russell conducted pre-planned visits to prospective new manufacturing partners, part of Gapuma’s rigorous due diligence process, and met with existing suppliers both in Qingdao and the nearby city of Weifang. While in Qingdao, Russell – himself a very accomplished athlete – met the sibling of one of the recent Beijing Robot Marathon finishers — a memorable moment in a packed schedule!