Long-Term OEM Supplier in China: A 10-Year Partnership Story
As a trusted sourcing agent in China, we specialize in helping global companies — particularly from the U.S. and Europe — find reliable OEM suppliers in China. In this article, we’re sharing a real-life story about one of our longest-standing supplier relationships: a partnership spanning over 10 years with TIANJIN SOCCER SPORTING GOODS FACTORY.
Reliable OEM Manufacturing in China: How We Found the Right Supplier
Back in 2011, we were sourcing suppliers for a U.S.-based client and were responsible for managing all quality control and supply chain communications in China. In 2012, during a supplier search project, we came across TIANJIN SOCCER SPORTING GOODS FACTORY and its owner — Manager Li.
Manager Li operates a specialized OEM manufacturing business. To be candid, our first meeting wasn’t promising. The chemistry wasn’t there, and we weren’t confident about the long-term fit. But at that time, his factory was the only one that could produce the required product to our client’s specifications — and that marked the beginning of a working relationship that has now lasted more than a decade.
Why This Factory in Tianjin Stood Out Among Chinese Suppliers
Over time, Manager Li proved to be one of the most professional and reliable suppliers we’ve worked with. His factory, established in 2005, operates with a clear, efficient management system. One of his German clients has been working with him for nearly 20 years — a strong testament to long-term reliability.
Unlike many other Chinese OEM suppliers, Manager Li does not rely on a sales or BD team. Instead, he personally manages client relationships. His only marketing channel is his Alibaba.com storefront — a simple strategy that works because of the strong word-of-mouth and consistent quality of his product line.
Diverse OEM Product Range: Plastic and Aluminum Components
His product line spans nearly a thousand SKUs, from small plastic components like tube caps to large-scale aluminum futsal goals. The factory produces both plastic and metal products, serving a wide range of customers primarily based in Europe and North America.
COVID-19 Supply Chain Stability: A Key Differentiator
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our partnered suppliers saw a significant drop in orders — in some cases, nearly 50%. However, Manager Li's factory remained steady. The only delays were caused by temporary lockdowns, not by lack of demand. This kind of operational resilience is rare and highlights his exceptional supply chain management.
Challenges in Succession: A Common Issue for Chinese Family-Owned Factories
As sourcing agents, we observe that many family-run factories in China struggle with succession planning. Manager Li is no exception. With retirement on the horizon and his children uninterested in taking over the business, he is now focused on training his employees to step into leadership roles — a challenge shared by many traditional factories in China.
Why We Still Recommend This Supplier After 10+ Years
Despite a rough start, this has become one of our most stable and trusted partnerships. At our sourcing agency, we place high value on suppliers who are consistent, transparent, and committed to quality. TIANJIN SOCCER SPORTING GOODS FACTORY checks all those boxes.
Looking for a Reliable OEM Supplier in China?
If you’re looking for vetted, experienced OEM manufacturers in China — especially in the plastic and aluminum product categories — we can help you find long-term partners like Manager Li. Contact us today to discuss your sourcing needs.