China's small and medium-sized hardware companies and dealers are caught in a crisis of survival

**Abstract** In today's volatile international economic environment, domestic housing prices and household goods are on the rise. How can small and medium-sized hardware companies navigate the domestic market, cope with capitalist protectionist policies, and deal with the removal of export tax rebates? Meanwhile, how can large enterprises enter foreign markets and continue to expand their global presence? The ability for independent innovation is still limited, and brand strength remains weak. Can the Chinese hardware industry break free from the constraints of foreign development models and find a sustainable path forward? Since China joined the WTO, the wave of economic integration has accelerated the transfer of global manufacturing to mainland China. This trend is expected to continue, and China is gradually becoming a world-class manufacturing hub. Recently, it was reported at the China International Building Decoration International Expo that the construction-related decoration industry is undergoing a major restructuring. The domestic construction and decoration sector holds a massive market potential, yet most companies remain small and fragmented. Currently, there is no listed company in the domestic hardware industry. "One single product, such as door locks, has a market size of 40 billion yuan, but due to low entry barriers, countless companies operate in this sector," said Cao Hantian, managing director of a Guangdong-based hardware company. He believes that many businesses have closed down in the first half of the year, signaling that the domestic hardware industry has officially entered a phase of consolidation. Only large enterprises with strong R&D capabilities and brand recognition will be able to stand out. Industry Trends According to data from the China Building Decoration Association, the output value of China’s building decoration industry grew from 660 billion yuan in 2002 to 2.1 trillion yuan in 2010, achieving a compound annual growth rate of 15.57%—far exceeding the average annual consumer spending growth of 11.46%. The decorative hardware industry is closely tied to the construction and decoration sectors. As the latter grows rapidly, the former should also benefit. However, factors like domestic property market restrictions, high CPI, and the European debt crisis in 2011 have created an uncertain outlook for the decorative hardware industry. Many small and medium-sized companies are struggling to survive. Industry experts believe this crisis highlights long-standing weaknesses in the sector. There are numerous small and medium-sized decorative hardware firms, but few have systematic management or technical expertise to convert technology into real productivity. Additionally, most companies lack a clear development strategy, which has severely limited their growth. Over decades, China’s decorative hardware industry has gone through stages such as factory direct sales, wholesale, regional distribution, and brand agency. Yet, throughout these phases, a single marketing model dominated the industry. Few companies have managed to break away from this pattern and adopt a more comprehensive marketing approach. As a result, China lacks strong local brands in this sector. Urgency for Transformation and Upgrading In recent years, issues like resource shortages, rising costs, and fluctuating exchange rates have made the challenges for the decorative hardware industry more apparent. It is now time for the industry to face its toughest test, and transformation and upgrading have become essential. Most business leaders in the sector are well aware of this reality. Many previously export-focused companies are now shifting their focus toward brand building and adjusting their strategies based on market trends and their own strengths. A manufacturer who has long engaged in OEM production shared: “Due to years of exporting or producing under foreign brands, many domestic hardware companies have excellent product quality. The key is to shift from heavy production and light branding. Strengthening brand management and corporate image awareness will help companies gain the market position they deserve.” An industry expert noted that small and medium-sized decorative hardware companies should first improve internal management and establish efficient operational mechanisms while focusing on brand development. Second, companies must invest in technology and talent. By maximizing the conversion of scientific research into productivity, they can reduce costs despite rising raw material prices, ensuring product innovation and fashionability, which will lay the foundation for a strong brand image. Third, companies should pay attention to market information and conduct regular research, using the market as a guide for product development to ensure new products meet consumer demand. Finally, they should move away from a single-product marketing model and adopt a "one-stop" approach, expanding upstream and downstream in the supply chain to stimulate consumption. This not only revitalizes the market but also brings greater profitability to the company. We believe that after such improvements, small and medium-sized decorative hardware companies can target third- and fourth-tier markets, aiming to become industry leaders in those regions. This will provide a solid foundation for future expansion into first- and second-tier markets.

Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinder

A double-acting hydraulic cylinder is a type of hydraulic cylinder that has two ports for fluid entry and exit. It is capable of performing work in both directions, providing both extension and retraction forces.
The operation of a double-acting hydraulic cylinder involves the use of hydraulic fluid, typically oil, which is pressurized to move a piston inside the cylinder. When fluid is supplied to one port, it pushes the piston in one direction, extending the cylinder. When fluid is supplied to the other port, it pushes the piston in the opposite direction, retracting the cylinder.
This type of hydraulic cylinder is commonly used in various applications, such as construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and industrial machinery. It provides the ability to exert force in both directions, allowing for more versatile and efficient operation.


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