May 18, 2016—Tianjin, China—The Cork Supply Group today officially launched Cork Supply China with an opening ceremony at its state-of-the-art facility in the new Airport Development Zone. The new facility is dedicated to the printing, branding, treatment, packaging and shipping of cork, as well as the distribution of Tonnellerie Ô barrels and Creative Oak barrel alternative products.
“It is with great enthusiasm that we launch operations in China,” said Jochen Michalski, Cork Supply founder, in his remarks at the opening ceremony. “We have watched the Chinese wine industry develop with great interest, and we’re proud to be able to provide quality products, service and technical support to such an exciting market. We look forward to sharing our commitment and investment in research, development and continued innovation as we build strong local partnerships.”
Today’s program included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, line dancing, a traditional Chinese game, a plant visit, and a group photo. Participants also signed a barrel head, crafted at the Tonnellerie Ô cooperage, to be featured at the Cork Supply China facility.
Cork Supply China (CSC) is an extension of the manufacturing arm of the Cork Supply Group’s facilities in Portugal. The Tianjin location will provide the burgeoning Chinese wine industry with best-in-class products, expertise and customer service, and will increase the range of stock availability and reduce lead times. CSC will take full advantage of the latest Quality Assurance systems and equipment, including a GAI semi-automatic corker, Mecmesin Extraction Force, the JAV Sealing Test, and other treatment verification processes. It will also utilise the extended resources of the Cork Supply Group’s international product experts and senior technical and R&D staff.
The CSC team includes Neil Walsh as Executive Director, Jacky Liu as General Manager, Lisa Yang as Administration Manager and an experienced production staff. CSC is a proud member of Chinese Alcoholics Drinks Association (CADA).
About the Cork Supply Group
Jochen Michalski founded Cork Supply in 1981 with a vision of replacing outmoded cork sourcing and production practices with an approach that emphasizes quality assurance and customer service. By forming strong partnerships with cork manufacturers in Portugal, Michalski established a vertically integrated business model, with rigorous quality control from the cork harvest and production right through to delivery. He also invested heavily in ongoing research and development programs, a decision that has made the company an innovation leader.
In the three decades since, the Cork Supply Group has been redefining quality through innovation, superior service, and expertise. The company offers premium closure products to the global wine and spirits industry, including natural corks, CS, Cuvée, technical corks and Talis bartops. In addition, the Group offers labels from the award-winning Studio Labels, as well as handcrafted, custom-finished French and American oak barrels and Creative Oak alternatives from their state-of-the-art cooperage, Tonnellerie Ô. The Group operates Lean and ISO-certified production facilities in all major wine regions throughout the world.
See more at www.corksupply.com.cn
