In June 2024, we rebranded from China Manufacturing Consultants (CMC) to Manufacturing Transformation Group (MTG) to reflect the changing global economic environment and the changing needs of our clients. Our operations span five continents now, with slightly more business outside than inside China. Yet China is still a dynamic part of our business, and I would like to share how clients engage with us as manufacturing consultants in this changing environment. The needs of manufacturers may vary across regions, but the need for manufacturing assistance is always there.
Client #1 - Helping a Sports Equipment Manufacturer Reshore back to North America
One of MTG's most loyal clients is a sporting goods manufacturer. Starting from COVID, the manufacturer took ownership of manufacturing for its core products. MTG previously provided manufacturing support and improvement for them in China, so we were the logical choice to help redesign and reshore a manufacturing facility in North America.
One of the products supported was a plastic injection molded helmet. Rather than supporting the suppliers in China as we would have previously, MTG sourced both possible component and equipment suppliers. We verified the equipment suppliers, relieving the client of the need to conduct their verification. What makes this different is our team was working in China to facilitate the reshoring of manufacturing rather than outsourced manufacturing. The client was able to use resources, such as sourced and modified equipment, to lower the costs and ease the transition to a new manufacturing location.
Client #2 - Improving Manufacturing Processes for an Electronic Device Manufacturer
Chinese companies dominate some industries, with consumer electronics being a prime example. South China, often called the Silicon Valley of electronics manufacturing, remains a hub for this sector. The client's reliable supplier delivered consistent quality electronic components to the required specifications. However, they faced challenges achieving a flawless finish on the plastic injection mould covering.
MTG stepped in and focused on improving the quality and fine-tuning the moulding process to meet the client’s high standards. Acting as the client’s eyes, ears, and hands on the ground, we identified the hidden factory to eliminate costly manufacturing processes without requiring the client’s team to travel to China. We helped by eliminating costly travel for the client and providing expert on-site management. We resolved the pain points efficiently, delivering a better product outcome for the client.
Client #3 - Pet Supplier Manufacturer – (Startup Reshoring from China to North America)
A current client of MTG is a startup company in the pet product space. The company has taken a hybrid approach, using a Chinese contract manufacturer for version 1.0 of its products and moving version 2.0 to the United States. This is a smart decision and a plan that we believe will see more companies using this method in the future. The advantage is the quick turnaround from the Chinese contract manufacturers that can be used to build momentum while saving the innovations for the second version. Following this method, the company will be quicker to market and be able to protect much of its IP.
MTG played a crucial role in navigating the challenges of this dual-country strategy, ensuring seamless coordination between the two manufacturing environments and resolving potential production bottlenecks. In China, we help the client avoid pitfalls with contract manufacturers by managing supplier relationships, ensuring quality control in reshoring, and streamlining production timelines.
On the North American side, we assist with setting up operations, sourcing reliable suppliers, and adapting processes to meet or exceed previous production standards. This smooth transition minimizes downtime, prevents miscommunications, and ensures product consistency across both versions. Additionally, reshoring version 2.0 provides enhanced IP protection, greater operational agility, and closer proximity to the customer base—enabling faster innovation cycles while mitigating risks from geopolitical disruptions.
How Chinese Manufacturers Engage MTG’s Services
Over the years, Chinese companies rarely directly engaged MTG/CMC. Our clients primarily came from American and European companies with manufacturing operations in China, with some looking to leave China. That is still a critical part of our client base, and more Chinese companies have become interested in our services. Our unique combination of Western expertise and Chinese knowledge and experience is attractive to many of these companies.
Today, Chinese companies want Chinese manufacturing consultants. With our experience in domestic Chinese markets, MTG can consistently provide this support. One of our clients is a large Chinese auto parts manufacturer located in Harbin, where our team travels each month to assist the factory in improving its manufacturing processes and implementing cost-cutting measures. Like many Chinese factories, the tightening economic conditions have forced them to make changes that have been needed for years.
How MTG Drives Seamless Manufacturing Solutions Across Borders
The evolving manufacturing landscape requires more than expertise—it demands on-the-ground problem-solving and seamless cross-border transitions. MTG’s work reflects this shift, from helping a sports equipment maker reshore production to improving electronics moulding in South China and guiding a pet product startup through dual-country manufacturing. As Chinese companies turn inward to remain competitive, they seek consultants with local insights. With deep experience in Chinese and global markets, MTG bridges these needs, ensuring our clients stay agile, competitive, and ready for the future.
Do any of these situations sound like something you are struggling with? Contact us now to learn more about how MTG can help you.
