Mailing: The rising town of shoemaking in Central China

Devoted to manufacturing shoes for brands such as Marks & Spencer and Ted Baker, Mailing is emerging as a world-renowned "town of shoemaking".

Located in Xuchang city, Central China's Henan province, Mailing produces 8 million pairs of shoes each year, with a total output value of nearly 100 million yuan ($13.83 million). This small town, which once relied heavily on agriculture, now sells its shoes all over the world and provides numerous jobs for local residents.

"My company just completed an order from the UK, which involves 100,000 pairs of shoes," said Si Dexing, chairman of Xiangcheng Xingxin Shoes Co Ltd.

Established in 2019, Xingxin has been equipped with a complete shoe production chain, producing 3 million pairs of shoes per year, the company provides jobs for about 300 people.

"Our success would not have been possible without the sound support from the local power supplier," Si added. According to him, the State Grid's Xuchang Power Supply Co has greatly accelerated the upgrading of transmission lines and substations, as the rapid development of local shoemaking industry have brought a surging demand for electricity.

Over the past two years, the company has built and renovated 3.5 kilometers of 10 kV transmission lines and installed 15 new transformers for the county. The power supplier emphasizes the importance of close contact with local companies and addresses their needs promptly. An online service platform has also been in place to save both time and money for the companies.

Meanwhile, about 120 kilometers away, workers are busy producing clothes at the Changmao Textile Co Ltd in Zhoukou city in Henan.

However, with summer on, the increasing rainy weather has posed a major threat to the normal operation of the company's electrical equipment.

In response, the State Grid's Zhoukou Power Supply Co said it has dispatched staff to visit Changmao Textile and identify the potential electrical hazards. Efforts have also been made to guide the company's workers to properly respond to emergencies.

Additionally, the company said it has streamlined the processes for the companies to apply for electricity. Customers could submit applications through online channels such as the official website and WeChat, while electronic signatures, seals and contracts have been widely utilized.

To inject more impetus into the growth of local industries, the power suppliers in Xuchang and Zhoukou both said they will continue to improve customer services and ensure a stable power supply in all respects.