Chongqing - “In fact, as for the Stadium 974 project of the Qatar World Cup, Mexin was directly chosen in preference to other bidders in the bidding process and completed the whole implementation successfully.” Du Fanggu, the person in charge of the Qatar World Cup Stadium 974 project at Chongqing Mexin Group, told iChongqing.
The Qatar World Cup Stadium 974 (Photo provided to iChongqing)
The Qatar World Cup kicked off on Nov. 20. Although we cannot cheer for the Chinese football team, we can shout out to “Chinese elements,” in which Chongqing is also a participant. For example, fire doors in the Qatar World Cup Stadium 974, the first fully demountable covered football stadium, which was constructed entirely from shipping containers and modular steel, were provided by Chongqing Mexin Group.
So what is the secret behind the chosen one - the “Chongqing Door?”
Professional strength behind the “Chosen Door”
Mexin Group, one of China’s leading professional door manufacturers, was founded in 1989. In more than 30 years, Mexin Door has matured into a complete, efficient, flexible, and intelligent production line, which is the basis for being the “Chosen Door” for this year’s World Cup. Unlike general security doors, the doors for the stadium had high standards and specific requirements in all aspects, including the design of the door frame, the selection of hardware, the way of opening, and the thickness of the paint film.
The fire doors used in Stadium 974 (Photo provided to iChongqing)
“For example, the standard thickness of the normal fire door painting is about 60~80 microns, but the fire door required for Stadium 974 needs to be consistent with the thickness of the outer paint of the container module, which should reach 200 microns, equal to the normal bridge heavy anti-corrosion grade requirements,” said Du Fanggu, introducing that, based on achieving this paint film thickness, they needed to consider other factors, including the environmental effect, and gloss. It required advanced production equipment and excellent professional skills. After several tests and careful adjustments, “Mexin Door” finally met the standards of the world-class stadium.
Additionally, the fully automated flexible production line gave Mexin Group the courage to take on a world project of such a large volume. “Our slogan is that we can produce a door in 30 seconds.” They worked to achieve customized production for different customers on a fully automated production line free of manual assistance. Based on the container module production schedule of China International Marine Containers (CIMC), it took nine months for Mexin to complete the full production and shipping supply of nearly 1,200 steel fire doors. “There was a supporting project for labor housing in Qatar, for which we completed the production of 42,000 doors in three months.”
Mexin workers in the factory of CIMC (Photo provided to iChongqing)
Long-term deep cultivation and accumulation of overseas markets
“Our long-term involvement and sound reputation in Qatar help us to win the project,” said Du Fanggu.
Mexin Group started its overseas adventures more than 20 years ago and has successfully established stable overseas sales outlets and business cooperation in more than 50 countries and regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Latin America, and Africa. The Middle East is also one of their major markets. In the past decade, especially since implementing the Belt and Road Initiative, Mexin Group has landed many projects in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle East regions, such as five-star hotels, shopping centers, stadiums, and other large-scale projects.
EZDAN MALL involved by Mexin in Doha, Qatar (Photo provided to iChongqing)
“We were also involved in the construction of the venue projects of the Doha 2030 Asian Games, like which project we had chances to establish close ties and cooperation with influential local turnkey contractors in Qatar. They will give us priority at the beginning of many key projects.”
“Made in China” is the core competitiveness.
“Chinese-funded companies are top-rated in the Middle East. They are the most cost-effective choice for the locals.” In Du Fanggu’s opinion, Chinese companies have won a good reputation in Middle East countries because of their high strength and low cost. The core competitiveness behind “Made in China” has become the strongest boost for Mexin Door to become the “Chosen Door.”
The Middle East, primarily oil-producing countries, has a relatively strong economy. At the same time, these regions are vigorously improving local infrastructure construction, including all kinds of transportation facilities, commercial buildings, civil buildings, etc., to improve people’s livelihood. This is also why Chinese enterprises have attached importance to the Middle East market expansion in recent years.
“Their projects are usually large in volume and scale, requiring a large workforce and an efficient production level. And our construction team in China is outstanding, able to fully meet their expectations in terms of quantity and quality.”
“The appearance at the World Cup is a great recognition for us from the international market. It is not only a recognition of our group but also a recognition of our Chinese manufacturing. Through decades of learning, exchange, and competition with our international counterparts, Chinese manufacturing has continuously upgraded and transformed and now has a place in the international market, which makes me very pleased and proud.” said Du Fanggu.