Background

KB Components is an international leading plastic component manufacturer from Sweden, with more than 50 years of industry experience. The company serves customers in the automotive, medical, industrial, consumer, and lighting sectors.

Headquartered in Örkelljunga, Sweden, KB Components has established advanced production facilities across Europe, North America, and Asia. By combining cutting-edge technologies, lean manufacturing principles, and deep engineering expertise, KB Components consistently delivers products that meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and innovation.

Challenge

As part of its global expansion strategy, KB Components established a wholly owned subsidiary in Wuxi, China, focusing on the automotive sector.

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At that time, the factory was still an empty building. Key equipment was on order from Europe, while urgent tasks remained on-site: foundation construction, installation of critical utilities such as injection molding cooling water systems and a fire water pond, as well as the design, construction and professional outfitting of a modern office.

The challenge was to complete all of these preparations within a limited timeframe while ensuring the facility met KB Group’s high global standards.

Solution

KB Components engaged Scandic Sourcing to provide end-to-end project management, including:

  • Securing local permits and regulatory approvals
  • Leading supplier negotiations to align with client specifications
  • Supervising construction and installation of utilities
  • Coordinating office design and professional decoration
  • Providing regular progress, budget, and schedule updates to management

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Scandic Sourcing appointed an experienced project manager fully dedicated to the assignment, visiting the site multiple times per week to ensure strict compliance, mitigate risks, and maintain cost efficiency throughout the process.

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Result

Within just four months, the factory infrastructure and office were successfully completed on time and within budget. With clear project objectives and transparent reporting, issues that came up during the project were easily discussed and decisions that had to be made could be made swiftly

The project provided KB Components with a solid operational base in Wuxi, effectively supporting its market entry into China.

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During the project Scandic Sourcing also got the assignment to recruit a qualified production Manager. Scandic Sourcing’s HR team did a candidate search, identified and evaluated a group of candidates and suggested two best fit candidates for KB Components management’s final interview and decision. One of which were selected for the position and could be onboarded when the production facilities were near completion.

“Scandic Sourcing handled the project in a detailed and professional manner, with open and clear communication throughout. This gave us valuable insight and reduced concerns at headquarters in Sweden—crucial for such a greenfield operation.”
— Robert Ramner, CEO, KB Components China

Extended Value

This project also reflects Scandic Sourcing’s broader expertise in supporting international companies in China. Our experience spans from feasibility studies, site search, company formation, site improvements, machinery and utility sourcing, administrative systems set-up and recruiting the first team. We also support with interims management, temporary business support office (BSO), accounting and HR services until the client’s own team is in place and up to speed.

 

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Factory Set-up