Trade Between the United States and China

There is enormous latent supply of equipment and machinery in China across a wide range of industries. The amount of arbitrage happening in the China-to-US machinery and equipment space seems almost too significant to not be disintermediated. Why has no one been able to tap into it, especially the marketplace giants, Amazon and Alibaba?

High-Touch or Low-Touch?

One reason is the unique high-touch service needs of equipment and machinery industries. High-touch means that customer service issues are often more complex, but the business involves high value customers. In contrast, most consumer goods follow a low-touch customer model.

From operating call centers trained in technical advice and troubleshooting, to providing adequate after-sales maintenance and repair, the need for high-touch customer service from end to end is unavoidable in the world of big-ticket machinery and equipment purchases. Few Chinese manufacturers can afford to operate a dedicated US-based team to fulfill this for US customers.

If traditional cross-border intermediaries such as trading companies and OEM buyers can fill this need and profit handsomely, why couldn’t a horizontal marketplace platform step in and steal their thunder (along with billions of dollars of profit)?

As Alibaba and Amazon's marketplace platforms have been built out around consumer goods, these incumbent players follow highly entrenched low-touch service models. This because the relatively low value of consumer purchases prevent a high-touch model from ever being profitable. However, conversely, a low-touch model greatly limits these platforms’ ability to accommodate Chinese direct-selling of industrial equipment and machinery the same way they have – to an extent – for Chinese consumer goods.

One Man's "Innovator's Dilemma" is Another's...

It would go against Alibaba or Amazon’s core business models if they were to establish a dedicated after-sales service team to answer customers’ various technical industry-specific questions, much less provide on-site maintenance services. But that is exactly what is needed by Chinese industrial sellers in order to sell to the US.

A platform that provides high-touch English-language service is the very key that will unlock an enormous volume of latent supply. It is a key that may not seem intuitive at first due to the consumer models proven out by the giants, Amazon and Alibaba. But it’s one whose numbers make complete sense if you take a look at the US market from a buyer perspective, in conjunction with understanding the challenges and incentives from a Chinese seller perspective.

Toolots CEO Jason Fu (right) with Vice CEO XiaoLiong Li (left).

Toolots recently hosted executives from the China Hi-Tech Group Corporation, a Chinese textile manufacturing company, for in depth talks regarding global manufacturing and trade.

CERRITOS, California- December 5, 2017- Toolots, an online platform and marketplace for factory-direct industrial tools, machinery, and supply, hosted esteemed guests from the China Hi-Tech Group Corporation (CHTC) on November 29^th.  The purpose of their visit was to discuss international trade, the textile industry, and how Toolots’ innovative business model can streamline global e-commerce.

According to the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) the U.S. textile industry employed over half a million workers, and had an overall value of $74.4 billion in shipments in 2016.  The same year, the U.S. exported roughly $26.3 billion and globally was the forth largest exporter of textile products.   Of these countries, China was the third largest export market for the U.S. totaling $1.8 billion, including Macau and Hong Kong.  China Energy Group, the Energy Analysis and Environmental Impacts Division of the U.S. Department of Energy, found China supplies the world with 40% of its textile and clothing products, therefore ranking it as the #1 exporter of textiles in the world.  Furthermore, with over 24,000 enterprises in China operating in textile and apparel manufacturing and supply, the textile industry is the largest manufacturing industry in the country.

Toolots and CHTC Executives examine products from Toolots' showroom in Cerritos, CA.

One of the largest textile enterprises in China is the CHTC which employs over 60,000 workers, has 23 direct subsidiaries, operates in 20 provinces in China, and has additional offices in over 20 countries and regions.  Founded in 1998 under supervision of the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC), the CHTC focuses on the production of textile machinery, commercial vehicles, and textile materials and trade.  As one of the company’s six business units, CHTC’s fiber material subdivision is currently focusing on the development of high-tech, environmentally friendly fibers to be used in a variety of industries.

Toolots Executives give CHTC executives a tour of their headquarters and warehouse.

CHTC’s meeting with Toolots first began with a tour of their Cerritos headquarters, including the company’s 128,000 square foot warehouse, showroom, and office.  With over 17 years of experience in industry supply through sister company Bolton Tools, Toolots CEO and Founder Jason Fu discussed the company’s desire strives to promote cross-border e-commerce between the U.S. and China.  As one component of the business model, Fu explained, Toolots helps U.S. manufacturing companies establish a brand in China while also helping Chinese manufacturers create a brand in the U.S. as well.  An example of this can be found in Himalia, the legally registered U.S. entity of Haida, which created a brand of plastic injection molding machines tailored to fit U.S. manufacturers’ technical specifications and needs.

Toolots and CHTC during their open discussions regarding global commerce and the textile industry.

CHTC and Toolots executives then began open discussions regarding the state of global manufacturing, and the possibility for future partnerships to improve global commerce. Fu discussed how digital marketing, social media, and email marketing strategies can be used in the global manufacturing community to increase brand awareness and drive sales for manufacturing companies.  He explained that smaller manufacturing companies often are used to traditional sales through word of mouth or brick and mortar establishments.  Conversely, SMEs familiar with digital marketing often don’t have the budget for it after paying overheard costs.  Fu then highlighted several components of Toolots’ comprehensive services like adwords, advertising, and YuuTool, that make the company unique and offer partnered SMEs access to affordable solutions.

About Toolots

Toolots, headquartered in Cerritos, California, offers an online marketplace and international distribution channel for factory-direct industrial tools, machinery, and manufacturing technology. Our user-friendly platform provides fast, easy access to high-quality, affordable equipment for manufacturers. More than a simple distribution channel, Toolots provides comprehensive services for companies around the world who produce the industrial machinery and equipment we sell, helping streamline the marketing, omni-channel sales, warehousing, fulfillment and after-sales service. On the customer end, Toolots simplifies the purchase, delivery, installation and warranty of industrial technology, machinery and components, and upholds product quality through a vetted network of vendors and service technicians. The company’s dedication to fostering international trade relations passes on cost savings to the consumer, contributes to reduced downtime, improves productivity and expands a manufacturer’s reach. Toolots has strategically located warehouses, showrooms, and offices across the United States, China and as of May 2017, has expanded into Taiwan. For more information visit us online at www.toolots.com.

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SHENYANG, Liaoning-September 24, 2017 – Toolots CEO Jason Fu and Executive Advisor Peter Wei met with local leaders in Shenyang last Friday to discuss mutually beneficial opportunities to grow the global manufacturing community. 

Toolots was warmly received by the local officials, who hoped to offer their support for Toolots doing business in their region as well as examine what efforts could be made to increase and strengthen cross-border commerce. 

Jason Fu (middle) and Dr. Peter Wei (left) of Toolots pictured with Vice Mayor Zhang Jinghui.

Once at the forefront of China's industrial revolution, Shenyang is still the most important city for manufacturing in Northeast China. But like other cities in China's rust belt, the local government is making every effort to modernize industry and revitalize the region. This includes supporting private sector industries as well as creating an international business environment in accordance with World Bank criteria. Viewing Toolots' business model as beneficial to industry as well as trade, Shenyang is interested in promoting Toolots' unique platform to SMEs seeking to expand their distribution network or sell in a new market. 

"Industrial equipment manufacturing plays a pivotal role in Shenyang's economy. Toolots is a global marketplace specializing in industrial equipment, so I am particularly interested [in the company] for that reason," said Vice Mayor Zhang Jinghui. "Shenyang's industrial suppliers have a substantial domestic customer base, but they haven't broken that much ground internationally. We will actively support getting an initial 'batch' of industrial supply vendors to conduct cross-border sales on your platform." 

Toolots CEO Jason Fu expressed his gratitude for the city's help in promoting the platform. He assured, "Our product specialist teams will work with several initial Shenyang suppliers to bring their products onboard that are suitable for the U.S. market. These initial suppliers will be 'model enterprises' to demonstrate that Toolots really is the fastest and most effective method for suppliers to expand their business overseas." 

Zhang also expressed his interest in bilateral trade. "Toolots can also help us attract American SMEs to do business here – indeed, what our manufacturing needs is bilateral international cooperation. What Toolots wants to do in terms of business development is precisely what Shenyang needs right now," said Zhang. "Shenyang is working hard to build an international business environment. We even invited third party organizations to assess, in order to better compel progress. Shenyang government will offer Toolots comprehensive support in expanding its business here, as soon as possible." 

Toolots' CEO Jason Fu agreed that the focus would not only be on getting Chinese vendors on the platform, but also on getting U.S. vendors to sell to China: "Toolots is a services platform for industrial suppliers, primarily SMEs in the U.S. and China. SMEs in China and the U.S. have similar needs and challenges. Although large U.S. manufacturers have had a lot of success expanding sales into China, U.S. SMEs haven't necessarily been able to. We have signed a cooperation agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce to help U.S. SMEs enter the Chinese market. In doing so, we actually garnered both U.S. federal and state government support as well." 

Like many other cities in China, Shenyang has invested substantially in the creation of free enterprise zones and industrial parks in order to attract foreign businesses. For example, the China-German Equipment Manufacturing Industrial Park in Shenyang was introduced in late 2015 to attract advanced production in automotive components and other industrial sectors. It currently hosts 30 German companies, including one of BMW's biggest manufacturing plants. Now cities in Liaoning, including Shenyang, are seeking to bring businesses into their U.S.-focused industrial parks. They hope that companies like Toolots will help bridge the way for U.S. companies interested in expanding to China. 

Shenyang municipal leaders and Toolots gather for a group photo after the meeting.

A Chinese version of this article, can be found here.

CHANGCHUN, Jilin-September 22, 2017- Toolots CEO Jason Fu and board member Dr. Peter Wei attended a business roundtable Wednesday in Jilin Province to discuss how Toolots can play a role in creating export opportunities for Jilin's industrial equipment manufacturers.  

Toolots attends a business roundtable with top industrial supply business leaders in Jilin.

Director of the European and American Affairs Office of Jilin Province Liu Zhijian speaks at the exchange.

Toolots CEO Jason Fu describes the company's business model at the exchange.

The exchange featured a panel of 18 manufacturing executives, including several top industrial supply companies in Jilin. Several heads of the Jilin Provincial Government were also in attendance, including Liu Zhijian, the Director of European and American Affairs Office of Jilin Province. Changchun City Foreign Affairs Office Deputy Director Ou Shuo, Changchun Bureau of Commerce International Market Development Director Suo Tie, Deputy Director Jiang Xutang, Siping City Economic and Trade Bureau deputy director Liu Dongyu were among the officials in attendance.  

The 18 top manufacturing executives represented companies producing a wide range of industrial products, including automobile manufacturing, transformers, industrial automation, valves, power generation equipment, and other equipment. 

Toolots was given the opportunity to speak about its business model and how its platform makes it possible for industrial equipment SMEs in Jilin to become export-ready, particularly as US manufacturing heats up and its demand for equipment grows. 

"Toolots coming to Jilin is a win-win situation," said the Changchun Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs during the roundtable discussion. "It is always our goal to facilitate and build bridges when it comes to global trade, so we will do everything we can to support Toolots in helping Changchun industry explore export opportunities."  

Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs Office of Changchun City Ou Shuo speaks at the exchange.

After Toolots spoke about their platform, the Siping Economic Cooperation Bureau said that he was optimistic about the company's impact on industrial exports, and looked forward to spreading the word.  

Deputy Director of Changchun Bureau of Industry and Information Technology Jian Xutong also expressed his full support of Toolots's business model, noting an interest in helping bring more companies onboard.  

"The U.S. is bringing back manufacturing to the States, but Toolots has turned this trend into opportunity. China's industrial industry has accumulated a degree of excess capacity, yet there is a prevailing lack of know-how in terms of how to export it to U.S. manufacturers. Fortunately, this is precisely Toolots's area of expertise."  

Deputy Director of Changchun Bureau of Industry and Information Technology speaks at the exchange.

Toolots CEO Jason Fu spoke about Toolots's plans for the future:

"Before October of next year, we will have onboarded 300 industrial equipment companies which will serve as business model validation, showing investors, local governments, and business leaders our platform's potential for incredible growth." 

Toolots CEO Jason Fu speaks at the exchange.

A Chinese translated version of this article can be found here.

September 2017-Subsequent to Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shandong, Guangdong, Sichuan, Beijing, Shanghai, Taiwan, Anhui and Hebei, the Toolots has continued its market expansion of merchant vendors in Northeast China. On September 20th, Toolots' Chief Executive Officer Jason Fu and Executive Advisor Dr. Peter Wei attended a business roundtable with their China team at the Shangri-La Hotel in Changchun City. The purpose of the event was to conduct exploratory market research along with a symposium on the topic of how Toolots, as a pioneering cross-border e-commerce company, can lead the small to mid-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) into the global market. Toolots' unique cross-border platform mutually allows the opportunity for Chinese manufacturers to enter into the U.S. market, and also allows U.S. manufacturers the opportunity to enter into the Chinese market. 

Attendees of the event included major stakeholders such as Deputy Governor of Jilin Province JinYuhui, top officials of Jilin’s Government, in addition to several key manufacturing enterprises in Changchun City. 

Scene at the symposium.

Additionally, several top officials the city's correlational government departments in attendance included: Lihua Huang, Deputy Director of the Provincial Office of Foreign Affairs; Yugang Gong, Deputy Director of the Office of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce; Guohua Sun, Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Commerce; Yong Xu, Deputy Director of the Provincial Economic and Trade Bureau Office, Zhijian Liu, Division Chief of the Provincial Department of U.S. and Europe; Chengjun Tian, Division Chief of the Provincial Department of the U.S. Commerce; Wei Wang, Division Chief of the Provincial Department of Foreign Trade; and Peng Gao, the Division Chief of Provincial Department of the Economic and Trade Bureau. 

The symposium was presided over by Ms. Lihua Huang, the Deputy Director of Jilin Provincial Foreign Affairs Office. At the beginning of the meeting, Ms. Huang expressed a sincere welcome to the Toolots team:   

"The Jilin Provincial Government views the arrival of your company as highly important [due to the fact that] we’ve heard Toolots is a well-known cross-border e-commerce platform in the United States, and that the company has made numerous beneficial endeavors in the aspect of constructing a cross-border e-commerce platform for industrial equipment between China and U.S. Through this meeting, we are looking forward to gaining some valuable insights and recommendations from Toolots for our forthcoming cooperation, as well as deepening the understanding of the manufacturing industry in Jilin. [We] hope that Toolots will assist our manufacturing industry to capitalize on the development of the growing U.S. market." 

Deputy Director of Jilin Provincial Foreign Affairs Ms. Lihua Huang (middle) greets Toolots CEO Jason Fu (left)and the Board Advisor Peter Wei (right).

Deputy Director of Jilin Provincial Foreign Affairs Office Ms. Lihua Huang, presiding at the symposium.

Following roundtable discussion, Mr. Jason Fu provided a detailed introduction to the attending governmental officials regarding three aspects of the company: the positioning of Toolots platform, the innovation of the platform, and how Toolots will develop and advance its next five-year plan through cooperating with and growing the local manufacturing industry. 

Jason Fu stated:  

"We have 17 years of accumulated market penetration and experience, and when the shareconomy emerged in 2015 we were able to predict our ability to help SMEs by sharing our resources, including our pre-established market, customers, after-sales services, and more. The trade market between China and U.S. for consumer goods has already been saturated. However in recent years, there continues to be a 650 billion-dollar U.S. market for industrial products imported from China. Nearly 90% of this value is actually made by factories in China that are set up by foreign countries and regions in the world. The portion made by native China manufacturing factories is stills mall, yet to those native China manufacturing factories, this is a potential billion-dollar blue ocean market”. 

Toolots CEO Jason Fu (middle) gives an introduction about Toolots to the correlational governmental department officials in Jilin. 

With the revitalization and resurgence of the U.S. manufacturing industry, Chinese industrial supply companies have the opportunity to simultaneously enter the U.S. market and assist in the growth of global manufacturing by providing SMEs with quality equipment at competitive prices. As a vertical e-commerce online platform focused on industrial equipment and manufacturing, Toolots has consistently been devoted streamlining global trade and e-commerce through the expansion of its big data system. With its innovative business model, the company has shared numerous resources and services on its platform with partnered vendors including omni-channel marketing, warehousing and logistics, operational management plans, and more. Toolots continues to develop its shared economic platform through VF (virtual firm) technology, thereby allowing them to provide various shareconomy services including e-accounting, e-register, e-insurance, e-finance, in addition to other shareconomy services. 

In traditional distribution models, distributors maximize their own benefits and distribution rights despite the vendors’ interests. However, Toolots provides a unique cross-border e-commerce platform using a global shareconomy method to eliminate these profit-blockers and maximize the benefits for partnered vendors. 

During the symposium, the Director of the Foreign Trade Department of the Jilin Provincial Department of Commerce Mr. Wei Wang stated that for the past two years, Jilin Province has been strongly promoting the development of cross-border e-commerce business, in four aspects:  

First is to encourage current enterprises to fortify their business through cross-border e-commerce; Second is to have the enterprises that lack the experience in foreign trade to utilize cross-border e-commerce platforms for entering international markets; Third is to use cross-border e-commerce to attract and bring back any enterprises that have left Jilin for other provinces; Fourth is to attract foreign enterprises to Jilin for participating in their business development on cross-border e-commerce. 

Deputy director of the Office of the Ministry of Industry of Jilin Province Yugang Gong inquired about the Toolots after-sales system during the symposium.

Jason Fu indicated that currently, the most applicable method for the cooperation of Toolots and the Province of Jilin is to establish model enterprises.  Toolots can start by choosing 2-3 products fields filled in Jilin, then cultivate 5-10 model enterprises. These model enterprises can then be used as sample cases in the following promotional stage in Jilin to directly promote a wider range of enterprises within the city.  

The Deputy Director of the Jilin Provincial Economic and Trade Bureau Yong Xu, showed immense interest in Toolots’ role in the future China-U.S. Industrial Park project. Essentially the industrial park will allow U.S. manufacturing SMEs to establish satellite offices, corporate branches, or manufacturing facilities within the city of Jilin to take advantage of a variety of benefits including distribution, market expansion, and more. The park will also provide a myriad of benefits for the city of Jilin ranging from increased jobs, strengthening relations within the global manufacturing community, and many more.  

After the meeting, the Deputy Governor of Jilin Province YuhuiJin, who oversees industrial businesses, as well as the top officials from the correlational governmental departments, hosted a luncheon for attendees including the Toolots team. The Governor warmly welcomed the participants event, and thanked them for their attendance before giving a full affirmation of Toolots’ business model. He concluded the event for the day by stating the provincial government would offer and provide their support for U.S. SMEs seeking to conduct business in Jilian, and cited Toolots as a pioneer company aiding manufacturing SMEs in their development and expansion. 

Deputy Governor of Jilin Province YuhuiJin (right) in discussion with Toolots CEO Jason Fu (left).

In Jilin, automobile manufacturing is its representative industry. The picture shows the Deputy Governor of Jilin Province YuhuiJin (right) offering a model car as the present for CEO of Toolots Jason Fu (left).

Group photo of the Jilin Province Governmental top officials and the Toolots team.

A Chinese version of this article is available here.

 

The 2018 Times Higher Education World University Rankings have been announced and it’s started a conversation about the rise in quality of education in China. Four years ago, only 2 universities made the cut for the top 200 universities, Peking University and Tsinghua University, both in Beijing. This year, 7 schools from the country made the top 200 list, making China the joint sixth most represented nation with Peking and Tsinghua University breaking into the top 30.

How Universities Are Ranked

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings uses thirteen performance indicators to provide a comprehensive and genuine analysis free from bias that students, professors, and beyond can rely on to be accurate. These indictors coincide with the organizations core mission of teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook. They then standardize the scores, as the data is fundamentally different, to get the final score.

China’s Universities Propel Forward

This surge in ranking for Chinese Universities is most likely due to the Chinese Communist Party investing billions into their science and technology research universities. Last year, party officials stated they wanted to see 6 universities rank Top 15 by 2030. The large investments may have attracted an increasing number of students from abroad in China in addition to the growing number of degree programs.

"Our rankings show that the Asian giant's higher education improvement is real and growing. With two top-30 representatives for the first time in the thirteen-year history of the rankings, China's leading universities are truly now part of the global elite and overtaking prestigious universities in the US, UK, and Europe," said Phil Baty, editorial director of the rankings from Times Higher Education.

However, this investment goes beyond the education sector and serves as a geopolitical indicator of whether the investments are making a difference. One significant problem currently faces is a shrinking workforce population after the participation rate began to decline in 2010. This large investment into education has the power to not only keep scholars in the country, put propel China's workforce to the top.

Additionally, the influx of billions of dollars and resources has improved ratings and increased the chances of Chinese students staying in the country for their education. Wang Feng, a professor of sociology at the University of California, Irvine, says the stunt in growth may translate to a long-term win. The increased emphasis on education could shift the labor market with adults entering the workforce later, but with more knowledge that translates to higher productivity.

"Chinese universities are doing outstanding work in science, technology, mathematics, [and] life sciences," Baty said adding, "I think arts and humanity subjects are very important to create [a] balance and to provide the creativity needed to push research to the next level."

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security presented data that shows that skilled workers account for only about 19% of China's entire workforce, with the highly skilled worker population making up 5%. As the industrial structure shifts to a more skilled labor force, this rise in education is good news for those interested in expanding into the Chinese market.

Vice-Premier Ma Kai spoke on the matter in December of 2016 during a symposium on highly skilled talents by stating that skilled workers are the energy that vitalizes technological improvement, economic growth, and social progress. As skilled workers begin flooding the workforce, companies in China benefit from gaining knowledgeable employees while energizing the economy.

Chinese Universities and Toolots

Toolots Inc., a Southern California based online marketplace and distribution channel for the latest high quality industrial equipment, machinery, and technology, has a close relationship with major Chinese manufacturers and a passion for bringing the global manufacturing community together. In fact, fifteen founding shareholders of Toolots are graduates of China’s two highest ranked universities, Peking University and Tsinghua University. Since its formation in May of 2016, Toolots' primary goal has been to streamline industrial commerce between the US and China to promote economic growth and build lasting relationships between manufacturers, universities, and the Toolots platform.

The company's commitment to achieving this goal can be seen in their annual trade summit focusing on facilitating educational and networking opportunities specifically between the US and China. This year, Toolots' Second Annual Manufacturing Exchange Summit will take place from November 12-14, 2017 in Yuyao, China with the aim to bolster relationships between the American industrial and technology communities and the Chinese manufacturing market. Featuring industry experts, investors, trade associates, and government officials, this is an opportunity to enrich U.S. manufacturers with invaluable industry knowledge and introduce them to contacts that could help get their products to market. If you're interested in learning more, contact Toolots' Public Affairs Department at summit@toolots.com or at (844)-866-5687.

Strengthening SEO, advertising, and SERPs to energize Toolots' global manufacturing platform

CERRITOS, Calif.- September 19, 2017- Toolots, Inc., an online marketplace and distribution channel for the latest high quality industrial equipment, machinery, and technology, is revitalizing their online presence and streamlining their content systems with the addition of David Alpern, their new Director of Marketing. Enlivening existing content and discovering new opportunities, the southern California based start-up is excited to see what Alpern brings to the table.  

With over two decades of professional experience in search engine optimization (SEO), Pay Per Click (PPC), and search engine results pages (SERPs), Alpern plans to work closely with Toolots executives to shape the company's messaging through optimization of internet marketing. This includes examining the current marketing, product, and supporting content of the company to refine its messaging. On a broader level, Alpern's main goal will be to increase traffic on Toolots' site, therefore resulting in the potential increase in sales for the company's vendor partners as well. Furthermore, Alpern's work will also be essential in helping Toolots as it continuously strives to promote economic growth and streamline commerce in the global manufacturing industry while fostering trade relations between the US and China. 

In regards to Alpern's hiring, Toolots Human Resources Manager Emilie Sperling said, "I'm excited to introduce David as the newest member of the Toolots team and I'm confident he will continue the progress we've made thus far. He is an asset to the department, who should see him as a mentor to help educate and assist at any step along the way."  

When asked about his understanding of the company, Alpern described Toolots as a "trailblazing" company redefining B2B eCommerce and international trade through competitive price points and comprehensive services. "I love companies with international scope," Alpern stated when discussing his decision to join Toolots. He continued by citing Toolots' efforts on international trade as a significant component in his decision to join the company. "Economy goes past our [the United States'] borders," Alpern said in reference to the global manufacturing community and its' impact on both the economy domestically and internationally.  

We’re pleased to announce the addition of David as Director of Marketing to our team.To learn more about him, visit: https://t.co/i9ujzqcaGN pic.twitter.com/U0lUZArOHw

— Toolots (@ToolotsUS) September 20, 2017

An experienced team leader, Alpern also expressed his passion for education and helping others as well. Infact throughout his career, he has worked on popular educational programs like Reading Eggs, and been a speaker and presenter at various conferences such as the Data & Marketing Association Conference, National Conference for Database Marketing, and Retailing.org’s Direct 2 Customer Conference. 

Alpern has also taken his experience to the classroom as an Instructor of Internet Marketing at California State University, Long Beach's College of Business Administration. During his time there, his classes were so highly sought after that the waiting list for his course became considerable.  Then in 2009 Alpern founded his own company, InternetOMG, also known as the Internet Online Marketing Group.   

"My initiative [was] to coalesce several freelancers together to help clients with their lead generation, traffic acquisition needs," said Alpern reflecting on how the company came to be.  

With eleven years of experience in multiple industries already behind him, Alpern was able to establish, maintain, and grow the interactive marketing consulting firm to what it is today. Through InternetOMG he had the opportunity to work with companies like Skechers and Everyday Health, in addition to other agencies like Phelps, and Rhythm. 

"I love opportunities where there's creation," Alpern said when discussing his desire to create InternetOMG and its relation to his new role at Toolots. He cited the value of innovation and discovery within a start-up company before recalling his time at AltaVista twenty years ago, when the internet company was experimenting with the mechanics and best practices of PPC.  Upon asking his personal objectives for Toolots he stated he planned to, “pursue the fundamentals, pursue internal education, and pursue our audience” to create universal knowledge throughout the company and increase efficiency online. 

"I call this whole process 'traffic optimization'" Alpern stated, referring to the full creation and employment of Toolots' new online systems. The implementation of these processes will streamline online content for the company, and enhance the experience for visitors of the site. Toolots' existing and potential vendors and customers alike will be able to access their desired information more readily, therefore enhancing their shopping experience as well. 

About Toolots 

Toolots, headquartered in Cerritos, California, offers an online marketplace and international distribution channel for factory-direct industrial tools, machinery, and manufacturing technology. Our user-friendly platform provides fast, easy access to high-quality, affordable equipment for manufacturers. More than a simple distribution channel, Toolots provides comprehensive services for companies around the world who produce the industrial machinery and equipment we sell, helping streamline the marketing, omni-channel sales, warehousing, fulfillment and after-sales service. On the customer end, Toolots simplifies the purchase, delivery, installation and warranty of industrial technology, machinery and components, and upholds product quality through a vetted network of vendors and service technicians. The company’s dedication to fostering international trade relations passes on cost savings to the consumer, contributes to reduced downtime, improves productivity and expands a manufacturer’s reach. Toolots has strategically located warehouses, showrooms, and offices across the United States, China and as of May 2017, has expanded into Taiwan. For more information visit us online at www.toolots.com. 

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Xiuzhou Economic Development Delegation from Jiaxing, China visits Toolots and local SMEs

Tenghui Guo, Executive Deputy Governor of Jiaxing, giving open remarks to attendees.

CERRITOS, Calif – August 17, 2017 – Toolots was honored to receive over 40 prestigious guests Tuesday for an exclusive US-China Manufacturing Delegation held at its’ headquarters. The event aimed to gather US and Chinese government officials with expertise and experience in the manufacturing industry with local US manufacturers to discuss the importance of bridging the gap between the Pacific, how to improve trade relations, and the future of the industry as a whole. Attendees were given the unique opportunity to ask delegates questions regarding the industry and the importance of California and the Xiuzhou District.

The event began with with remarks by Toolots Founder Jason Fu and the Executive Deputy Governor of Jiaxing Tengui Guo, who stressed the importance of strong trade relations to streamline industrial commerce between the United States and China. Cerritos Mayor Grace Hu then delivered a proclamation certificate to Guo, to thank the delegation for choosing the city of Cerritos and its’ businesses to begin strengthening relations.

“California is open for business [and happy to] support our residents here within the district” Adam Galia, a District Representative for California State Senator Tony Mendoza, stated. Galia then presented the delegation with a certificate on behalf of the Senator for the 32nd District. “[We] commend your contributions to this form of helping  American businesses in advancing and improving relations between our two countries” Galia read, verbatim, from the certificate.

Lisa Zhou, President of the Chinese CEO Organization, followed Galia by presenting a certificate of recognition for contributions to the development of the Chinese-American business community, noting the Xiuzhou Economic Development Delegation’s commitment to improving trade relations. Desmond E. Thompson, Vice Chairman of the Board for the Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce, then discussed China’s role in international trade with the US. With over $600 billion in total trade with China in 2016, the Vice Chairman was thrilled that Toolots and the Delegation chose Cerritos as their headquarters and event location. “Toolots [is] helping expand the local opportunities for all businesses to play a role in this significant source of trade,” said Thompson.

Vice Chairman of the Board for the Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce, Desmond E. Thompson, discusses US-Chinese trade and the potential benefits for local SMEs.

Toolots Chief Technology Officer, Bill Andreozzi then took the stage to provide guests an introduction to Toolots’ unique platform. Briefly, Andreozzi explained Toolots’ vertical approach to the market, and how after-sale services can disrupt traditional eCommerce models. The event concluded with an industrial equipment cross-border eCommerce platform signing ceremony, a group photo, and a networking luncheon.

Representatives from the Xiuzhou Economic Development Delegation from Jiaxing, China (嘉兴市秀洲区经贸考察团) included:

• Tenghui Guo: Executive Deputy Governor, People's Government of Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing City
• Chunfu Dong: Deputy Director, People's Republic of Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing City
• Xihua Xu: Director, Jiaxing Xiuzhou Bureau of Economy & Commerce
• Jianzhong Du: Deputy Director, Development and Reform Bureau of Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing City
• Yong Qian: Director, Bureau of Economic Development & Statistics, Jiaxing Xiuzhou National Industrial Development Zone
• Yanqin Ma: Project Manager of Service Investment Bureau, Jiaxing Xiuzhou National Industrial Development Zone (interpreter)

According to the Chinese government officials who attended, California’s role in global commerce is imperative. International contributions through trade and investment will provide significant benefits to the manufacturing community,extending beyond American businesses and their employees to assist the communities they operate in as a whole.  

Group photo of attendees of the US-China Manufacturing Delegation hosted by Toolots at their Cerritos, CA headquarters.

“Xiuzhou can help American companies to develop their businesses,” said Guo, Executive Deputy Government for the People’s Government of Xiuzhou in Jiaxing City. Guo was one of six members of the delegation who traveled to Toolots Cerritos headquarters for the event. He further added that the Chinese government wants to reinforce its national manufacturing reach by solidifying strategic partnerships with esteemed foreign manufacturers, like those located throughout the state of California. During a brief presentation, Xihua Xu, Director of the Jiaxing Xiuzhou Bureau of Economy and Commerce, discussed the manufacturing resources, potential partnerships, and investment or partnership opportunities in his city. While these partnerships are valuable to Chinese government officials, it’s also an opportunity for American manufacturers to broaden their market, invigorate production, and spark increased localized growth. “We think Toolots will become a bridge between companies in China and California, and elsewhere in the United States.”

The US-China Manufacturing Delegation is one example of Toolots’ ongoing ambition to increase engagement between the US and Chinese industrial communities to help promote localized economic growth in Southern California while also educating US SMEs on how to effectively export their products to the overseas market. Additionally, the Company’s streamlined global eCommerce platform makes it easy for manufacturers to sell their products to long-tail, or niche, markets.

Toolots differentiates itself from the competition by providing the logistical, financial, and personnel support to get new products in the hands of new customers in addition to comprehensive after-sales services. This affords small to medium sized enterprises the ability to focus on the quality of their products, while Toolots handles the heavy lifting. To learn more or to list your company’s products on our eCommerce platform, sign up at www.toolots.com.

Toolots has announced its 2nd Annual US-China Manufacturing Exchange Summit will take place Sept. 24-26, 2017 at the historic Grand Pacific Hotel in Yuyao, China.

Join Medical Device Manufacturers, Trade Associations, Government Officials and More in Yuyao, China

CERRITOS, Calif. – July 3, 2017 –With the 2nd Annual US-China Manufacturing Exchange Summit, Toolots, Inc. continues to cultivate fruitful relationships between American and Chinese advanced manufacturing communities. Hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Medicines & Health Products (CCCHMPIE) and the Sino-Italy Ningbo Eco Park, involving high-level industry professionals, regulators and government officials, the Summit provides a platform to accelerate international expansion and expand your global network. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to experience China, learning first-hand what it takes to effectively sell innovative medical devices, health-related products and more on the Asian marketplace, directly from venture capitalists, investors, and executives who take advantage of a unified cross-border strategy to succeed globally.

The 2nd Annual US-China Manufacturing Exchange Summit, centering on the medical device industry and related regulations, logistics and more, will take place Sept. 24-26, 2017, as part of Toolots’ yearly initiative to promote improved relations between both countries and simplify global commerce within the advanced manufacturing community. The event will be hosted at the historic Grand Pacific Hotel in Yuyao, China, part of the eastern Zhejiang Province close to the busiest port in the world, based on shipping volumes, the Ningbo Zhoushan Port.

Some participating companies in the medical device and health product industry include China MEHECO Corporation, Shanghai Medicines & Health Products Import & Export Co., Zhejiang Medicines & Health Products Import & Export Co., Tianjin Medicines & Health Products Import & Export Co., Jiangsu High Hope International Group, China National Scientific Instruments and Materials Corporation.  In addition to a host of large, influential Chinese companies, Toolots and its partners have arranged for a significant presence of venture capitalist firms interested in investing in innovative American companies and products. Some of the principal firms attending the Summit include Sequoia Capital, Cybernaut, Histtone Capital, Hill House Capital, TusPark Ventures and Yangming Capital.

Panel discussions on how to succeed in the global marketplace, protecting intellectual property, and industry developments, among other topics, will help to inform attendees from the U.S. and China, and serve as an educational tool to guide their businesses and organizations. Scheduled discussions will involve officials from the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, the China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Medicines & Health Products, a wide range of executives from both U.S. and China-based medical device companies, and others.

Attendees have the rare opportunity to connect directly with authorities and other professionals in China who can provide logistical or capital assistance, whether you are seeking to register a medical device or other innovative health product, or wish to expand your business operations and network. Space is limited to 30 medical device companies in total, so secure your place today. To sign up, please register via our Eventbrite page here or send us an email at summit@toolots.com. To stay up to date with the latest event information, be sure to visit http://www.toolots.com/summit2017.

Benefits:

• Enjoy personalized matchmaking of U.S and Chinese manufacturers for more meaningful and productive networking.

• Roundtable dialogues between international trade experts, manufacturers, and government leaders will help inform and guide real-world business decisions.

• Tour advanced manufacturing facilities in Ningbo, an industrial stronghold, to see first-hand what China and its industrial capabilities are truly like.

Co-Hosts:

The China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Medicines & Health Products is the leading national trade association in China, aiming to improve international trade and relationships within the biomedical and healthcare industries. With over 2,400 companies in the association, including major manufacturers in the pharmaceutical and medical product sectors, the CCCMHPIE has the most extensive network of any organization in the industry. As a guest at the Summit, you will have an incredible opportunity to connect with these industry professionals who routinely market and sell the products you, as a US-based manufacturer, develop and distribute.

The Sino-Italy Ningbo Eco Park, a collaborative effort between the Chinese and Italian governments for a new industrial development focusing on advanced manufacturing, is planning for a new 18-square-mile manufacturing district, a residential/commercial district and an ecological park to guide sustainable industrialization. The goal is for the area to become a hub for innovative research and development involving cooperation between Chinese, American, and European companies.

Panels will be held on topics including:

•         Protecting Intellectual Property Rights
•         Land, Labor and Capital in China
•         Navigating Customs and Globalized Logistics
•         Effective Marketing and Sales in China

What: 2nd Annual US-China Manufacturing Exchange Summit

When: Sept. 24-26, 2017

Where: Grand Pacific Hotel, 168 S Binjiang Rd, Yuyao, Zhejiang, China, 315400

To sign up for Toolots' free webinar for manufacturers on May 19, please RSVP via email to cfoy@toolots.com

Toolots engineers install a robotic device on a plastic injection molding machine to greatly speed up production.

CERRITOS, Calif. – May 15, 2017 – Toolots, Inc., a Southern California-based online marketplace for the latest industrial equipment, machinery and technology, invites interested biomedical and advanced manufacturing companies to join a no-cost educational webinar on the market conditions and outlook for original American products in mainland China. The webinar takes place Friday, May 19 at 1 p.m.

As the company’s US-China Medical Device Summit approaches, taking place June 28-30, in Ningbo, China, the Cerritos-based company invites any interested firms, executives and representatives to participate in the second webinar in the series. Attendees will discover on the ground conditions in China, and learn how the online marketplace and the comprehensive services offered to Toolots partners can give companies a leg up in the market for innovative medical products. During the seminar, you will learn about the growing demand for US-manufactured medical devices, how much more Chinese customers are willing to pay for foreign-made health products, devices and advanced technology, and hear how your company can gain by attending the US-China Medical Device Summit next month.

The US-China Medical Device Summit will be hosted by the leading national trade association in China for medical devices and biomedical products, and is co-hosted by Toolots. Toolots invites your participation Friday in our no-cost online seminar to learn more. To sign up for the webinar or for additional information, please contact Toolots Director of Public Affairs Chris Foy at cfoy@toolots.com. Private consultations are also available to explore how Toolots can help your company break into the lucrative Chinese market and elsewhere in the region, where Toolots has a growing international footprint.