Soybean producer to increase output
By Dong Bei (China Daily)
Updated: 2004-04-30 09:31

Harbin Soybean Food Co Ltd is vying for the leading position among the nation's protein producers by lifting its annual output to 20,000 tons by the end of the year.

Affiliated with Harbin High-tech Group, Harbin Soybean Food is a comprehensive soybean processing company, with total assets of 330 million yuan (US$40 million).

Covering an area of 150,000 square metres, the firm's factory is the only Chinese soybean protein processor that has obtained ISO9001 Quality Certification.

It processes 100,000 tons of soybeans annually and boasts 11 product ranges with more than 70 types, such as protein and grease.

And its soybean protein isolates and textured soybean protein have both been granted national green food certificates.

Now the company boasts an annual production of 10,000 tons.

Commanding a large market share, the protein producer has established an extensive sales network, with outlets set up in large cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Yantai and Dalian.

It has also established excellent trade relations with more than 100 businesses in 12 countries including Russia, Japan, Italy, South Africa, Turkey, Poland, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, Czech and the Republic of Korea.

Its exports in 2002 reached 1,000 tons, worth US$1.5 million.

Since 2003 until now, its total exports have added up to 3,000 tons, earning US$4.5 million.

The company has been credited as a model for the State's soybean programme and named best-trusted brand by the State.

It has also won high praise and strong recommendations from the United Nations for its processing ability.

In addition, the company has undertaken a national high-tech project of research and development of key technologies and equipment for soybean processing.

Founded in 1993, Harbin High-tech Group became a listed company in Shanghai Stock Exchange in July 1997.

Years of growth has helped the group accumulate total assets of 1.4 billion yuan (US$169.2 million).

Engaged also in the healthcare industry, the company now has a staff of 1,656 and 10 subsidiaries.

The group focuses investment in soybean processing, biochemical industry, traditional Chinese medicine production, real estate and biological zinc chip development.

To contribute to the improvement of human beings' health is the group's long-term aim.

Currently there are 38 soybean protein processing companies in China. And Harbin Soybean Food takes a pioneering position among them.

It has put forward an idea of establishing a provincial protein industrial group and has gained the local government's support.