From Humble Beginnings to International Success:
Baoji, China – Lihua Titanium Industry, a leader in the production of titanium flanges, is proud to celebrate its 15th anniversary. Founded by Li Xiangwei in 2009, the company has grown from a small startup into a thriving international business, exporting high-quality titanium products to markets across the globe.
Reflecting on the company's journey, Li Xiangwei says, "Fifteen years of ups and downs-it's been a tough yet rewarding road." Early on, Lihua faced many challenges, including financial struggles and the complexities of running a business without its own factory. Li recalls how, in the beginning, he took on any order that came his way, eager to grow the business. "I was bold and impatient, and took risks without fully understanding the consequences. There were times when we nearly went under," he shares.
One such early challenge involved a small order in 2007 for titanium pipes. Li purchased 350 kilograms of titanium pipe from another province, but did not weigh or inspect the goods upon arrival. Upon delivery to the subcontracted factory, it was discovered that the shipment weighed less than expected-only about 300 kilograms, with evidence that some of the material had been stolen during transit. This "Titanium Pipe Incident" was a hard lesson for the young entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of attention to detail and risk management.
Another setback came in 2010, when Lihua began to explore international trade. A deal with a South Korean client went awry due to quality issues arising from miscommunication with the subcontracted factory. "At the time, I was relying more on courage than expertise, and didn't fully understand the technical aspects. It resulted in significant losses for the company," Li recalls. Despite these early failures, these experiences helped shape the company's resilience and commitment to improving quality.
Today, Lihua Titanium Industry is a global player, producing flanges that meet international standards-including Chinese, American, Russian, Japanese, and German specifications. The company has earned certifications such as ISO 9001:2015, Germany's TUV certification, and IQNET certification, and exports to Italy, Germany, Turkey, Russia, the United States, Japan, and South Korea.
One of the key reasons for Lihua's success, according to Li, is its relentless focus on product quality. "We're not in the business of competing on price," he explains. "We're committed to providing the highest-quality titanium flanges that our clients can trust. We've invested in our production capabilities, and our products are rigorously tested to ensure consistency and reliability."
Lihua has come a long way from the days of small-scale operations. The company's old plant may have been modest, but its products-produced with the same high standards-were already being sold internationally. Today, Lihua operates a state-of-the-art facility, with modern equipment and processes that reflect the company's growth and commitment to excellence. The company's new production facility represents a significant upgrade, positioning it for even greater success in the global market.
With 2021 sales approaching 30 million RMB, Lihua Titanium Industry is now well-positioned for continued growth. Li Xiangwei is optimistic about the future: "We are on a path to internationalization, and we aim to provide products that meet the highest global standards. Our focus remains on quality, and we are committed to innovation, ensuring that Lihua continues to evolve and succeed in a competitive global market."
From bold beginnings to a thriving business, Lihua Titanium's story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a relentless commitment to quality. As the company looks to the future, it remains dedicated to providing world-class titanium solutions and expanding its reach in international markets.