Gerber Expands Reach in China

Gerber Technology Inc. is expanding its CAD/CAM development in China.

The Tolland, Conn.–based company has beefed up its operations in China to include research and development, engineering, and purchasing in addition to sales and service. The company hired 10 technicians to accommodate the added services. In addition, Gerber has opened a new engineering center in Shanghai, as well as a sales and service office in Dongguan, near Hong Kong.

The company is the CAD market leader in China. More than 1,300 customers operate nearly 5,000 systems across the country.

“We are now developing products specifically for [the Chinese market],” said Steven Tang, Far East regional vice president for Gerber.

Gerber President James Arthurs said he expects apparel production in China to top $150 billion by 2010. The company showed its line of wares at the recent China International Sewing Machinery & Accessories Show in Shanghai. Among its products were CAD software, product lifecycle management software, and grading/ marking and spreading/cutting products. —R.M.