Yongkang Manufacturing
China's hardware capital — 850 million tool sets annually, 22% of national hardware exports. If your product involves metal, tools, or hardware, start here.
Yongkang is China's undisputed hardware capital (中国五金之都). The city and its surrounding towns produce over 850 million tool sets annually, accounting for 22%+ of China's hardware tool exports — everything from power tools and hand tools to door locks, security doors, cookware, and thermos cups. Gushan Town alone has over 2,300 industrial enterprises, a full supply chain from raw steel to finished tools, and a workforce of over 100,000. The hardware supply chain here is among the deepest in the world.
For hardware founders, Yongkang is the destination for any product involving metal fabrication, tooling, or hardware assembly. Unlike Shenzhen's electronics-focused ecosystem or Ningbo's appliance-focused one, Yongkang's entire economy revolves around making things out of metal. Hidden champions abound: Supor cookware and Zwilling J.A. Henckels both have major OEM bases here. Haers (哈尔斯) controls 30% of the global vacuum flask market from its base in Zhiying Town.
Gushan Town (古山镇): The core cluster — 2,300+ industrial enterprises, full supply chain from raw steel to finished tools. Power tools (angle grinders, electric drills, saws), hand tools (wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers), and garden tools. The town generates over 100 billion RMB in annual industrial output. Every step of hardware manufacturing — steel processing, forging, stamping, heat treatment, surface finishing, and assembly — happens within this single town.
Zhiying Town (芝英镇): Vacuum flasks and thermos mugs. Haers (哈尔斯), based here, holds 30% of the global market. The thermos supply chain is complete: stainless steel forming, vacuum insulation, lid manufacturing, and final assembly all happen within the town.
Core products beyond tools: door locks (one of China's largest lock manufacturing clusters), security doors (防盗门), cookware (Supor/苏泊尔 has major manufacturing here), non-stick pans (hundreds of factories specializing in coated aluminum cookware), and kitchen hardware.
Hidden champions: Many global brands' hardware products originate in Yongkang. Zwilling J.A. Henckels, WMF, and other premium kitchen brands have OEM relationships with Yongkang factories. The quality range is enormous — from commodity hardware to export-grade premium products.
Cordless power tools: The transition from corded to lithium-battery-powered tools is transforming Yongkang's power tool industry. Factories are adding battery management systems and brushless motor technology, moving up the value chain.
Smart locks: Traditional door lock manufacturers are integrating fingerprint recognition, Bluetooth, and WiFi connectivity into their products, driven by the smart home market.
Industrial automation: Yongkang's hardware cluster is increasingly adopting robotic welding, automated assembly, and AI-driven quality inspection, improving consistency and reducing labor dependence.
Yongkang sourcing pitfalls
Quality range is enormous
A $5 angle grinder and a $50 angle grinder from Yongkang may look identical in photos. The difference is in motor quality, bearing grade, and safety features. Physical inspection is essential.
Brand counterfeiting is common
Yongkang factories have a history of producing unauthorized copies of branded tools. Verify that your factory has legitimate OEM authorization if producing for a brand.
English capability is minimal
Gushan Town factories have essentially no English-speaking staff. You will need a Mandarin-speaking representative. The local dialect (Yongkang-hua) is also distinct from standard Mandarin.
Factory visits require local logistics planning
Yongkang is not on major high-speed rail lines. The nearest airport is Yiwu (1 hour) or Hangzhou (2 hours). Plan transportation in advance.
What founders should remember
For metal, tools, or hardware — Yongkang is the first place to look
No other Chinese city matches the density of metalworking expertise. If your product is primarily metal, your factory is likely here or should be.
Gushan Town deserves a full day for factory visits
The density means you can visit 8-10 factories in a single day. Bring your product specifications printed and in Chinese.
Verify quality with physical samples
Never order from Yongkang based on photos alone. Request physical samples from multiple factories and compare them side by side.