By Business & Finance 
Widely recognised as a thought leader on international trade with China, Casey recently announced the expansion of his product development and supply chain company to Shenzhen’s Futian Free Trade Zone.
Because
PCH International, the Irish-headquartered product development and global supply chain company founded by Liam Casey, last month announced the expansion of its operations in China with a new low-carbon, energy-efficient facility in the heart of Shenzhen’s Futian Free Trade Zone.
The 290,000 sq ft facility will employ an additional 1,500 people, including expatriate and local staff across a broad range of disciplines, including finance, logistics and supply chain, and will more than double PCH’s current global headcount. PCH also expanded its US operations last month by acquiring Silicon Valley-based product development consultancy firm Lime Lab Inc and intends to create at least 30 jobs by the end of 2013 with a new R&D facility there.
A global company
As demonstrated by the recent announcements, PCH International is a truly global technology developer with more than 1,200 employees across four continents. It was founded in 1996, its headquarters are in Cork, its operational headquarters are in Shenzhen, and the bulk of its customer base is in San Francisco. Included among PCH’s major clients are three of the top five personal computer companies, three of the top five telecom and networking companies, and three of the top five consumer electronics companies world-wide.
PCH’s growth has rocketed in recent years in large part due to the diverse supply chains in operation as part of the constant demand for smartphones. In 2010, PCH’s revenues jumped 170% to $413mn, up from $152mn in 2009.
Working in China
Last year, Casey spoke to Business & Finance magazine about his success in China and the obstacles and opportunities of basing your business in the Far East:
“We have opened up almost 20 different entities in China and each facility needs a business licence. We have had no issue whatsoever. You go through a process and there are rules and procedures to follow. A few years back, I would have gone into great detail when we were opening facilities. Today, I delegate these responsibilities because it is so easy to do. China is very entrepreneurial, innovative and competitive. Bureaucracy does not survive in that sort of environment.” He continued: “The government is extremely focused and does not sit idly by when something needs to be done. The last time they initiated a stimulus package, it was evident on the streets two weeks later. Confidence is more important than gold or currency and they do that very effectively.”
Liam Casey
Casey is widely recognised as a thought leader on international trade and business in China. He was awarded Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year – Ireland accolade in 2007 and is also a frequent guest speaker at trade shows, Asia and Ireland-focused business forums, and investment group events. He was selected as Business & Finance International Irish Business Person of the Year 2009. He also spoke at the Irish Global Economic Forum 2011 and said he was very optimistic about the opportunities available in China, particularly for Irish companies.
Business & Finance, Business Person of the Month
Business & Finance, in association with MERC Partners, has been awarding excellence in business through the ‘Business Person of the Month’ award over the last number of years. These awards seek to recognise noteworthy achievements in business leadership, and particularly those that make a telling contribution to the wider business community in Ireland.
