Electrical goods giant makes UK debut with city headquarters

Hisense, which manufactures flat panel TVs, household appliances, and mobile communication devices, employs more than 60,000 people worldwide.

The company has created jobs by establishing a headquarters for Hisense UK in Leeds. It’s hoped that more staff will be hired there soon.

The new company will be responsible for launching Hisense into the UK market, while also managing the Fridgemaster brand, which was recently acquired by Hisense.

Louis Hou, of Hisense UK, said: “The UK market is a key element in the Hisense global expansion strategy, and we are taking a responsible long-term approach to establishing and expanding our business.

“Our brand concept is very straightforward – we want to sell affordable high quality products into the UK market.

“We will start by supplying cooling products like refrigerators and freezers but will soon add televisions, washing machines, cookers and other domestic appliances to our line up. This expansion will create secure job opportunities for local people.

“We have nine employees and we are looking forward to having 12 to 14 employees in 2013.

“The team is quite compact and efficient as we outsource warehousing and logistics.”

In November, the Evans Property Group leased a 3,100 sq ft self-contained Grade A office building at its Global Estate in south Leeds to Hisense.

Founded in 1969, Hisense has grown to become a global electronic and information conglomerate.

Hisense grew out of ‘Qingdao No.2 Radio Factory’, which was established with around 10 staff.

In 2011, Hisense achieved sales revenue of 71.6 billion Yuan, which means it ranks sixth among China’s Top 100 electronic information enterprises.

Hisense has research centres in Qingdao, Shenzhen, Shunde, Beijing, the US, and Europe. Hisense also has production bases in South Africa, Algeria, Egypt, and sales offices in the US, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and South-eastern Asia.

Hisense’s products are exported to more than 130 countries and regions around the world.

Hisense UK was advised by the Leeds office of law firm Ward Hadaway.

Steve Thomas, a partner at Ward Hadaway, who led the firm’s team with support from solicitor Anna Shaw, said yesterday: “We are delighted to have helped Hisense on its entry into the UK.

“It is excellent news to see such a substantial company investing in the UK and wanting to build a long-term business here.”