Rothley’s Groundbreaking Ceremony in Zhaoqing Marks a New Chapter in Hardware Manufacturing Growth

Rothley, a leader in the high-quality hardware manufacturing industry with a 200-year heritage, has always embraced change and innovation, adapting to new challenges and opportunities while remaining committed to the highest standards of quality and customer service. Today, Rothley stands at the cusp of a new chapter, marked with the Groundbreaking Ceremony of its new hardware manufacturing factory—a pivotal moment in the company’s ongoing growth story.

On March 18th, 2025, Rothley celebrated the start of construction for its new, wholly-owned, state-of-the-art factory in Dinghu district, Zhaoqing, China. At 9:18 AM, the first concrete pillar was struck by the pile driver, symbolising the beginning of a facility set to be completed by December 2025. This momentous event is more than just the start of construction—it marks the beginning of a new era for Rothley, reinforcing its global commitment to innovation and growth. The new factory will be 144,000 square feet, enabling Rothley to significantly increase manufacturing capacity, enhance product development capabilities, and better serve its customers worldwide.

This facility is a vital part of Rothley’s broader strategy to strengthen its global hardware manufacturing network and improve efficiencies. It will not only support Rothley’s UK operations but will also open up new opportunities for the company to expand its product offerings and reach new global markets. By improving production times and reducing lead times, Rothley will be able to meet growing demand more effectively and offer more innovative solutions to customers.

The groundbreaking ceremony in Zhaoqing was attended by Rothley’s senior management team, local government officials, and representatives from key financial partners. Speaking at the ceremony, Ken Xu, co-founder of Rothley China, highlighted the significance of the event: “This ceremony is not just the start of a new factory, but a testament to the hard work and commitment from both our UK and Chinese teams. It represents our ongoing efforts to bridge our expertise in hardware manufacturing with the growing demand from markets globally. We are excited about what the future holds as we expand Rothley’s presence here in China and continue to support our customers worldwide. Together with the creative and innovative minds at both Rothley UK and Rothley Zhaoqing, this facility will be the powerhouse behind the next wave of exciting new consumer-focused innovation.”

Over the past five years, Rothley UK has seen substantial growth, expanding both its workforce and market reach. With a focus on innovation and a commitment to excellence, Rothley UK has increased its sales by over 300%. The additional hardware manufacturing capacity in China will support Rothley UK’s operations, enabling faster turnaround times and more flexibility to meet the needs of its customers.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter for Rothley,” said Stuart Hobbs, CEO of Rothley. “This factory in Zhaoqing will enhance our ability to deliver high-quality, innovative products to customers globally. It represents not just an investment in new facilities, but in the long-term growth and success of Rothley UK, helping us to better serve our customers while embracing emerging opportunities in both new and existing markets.”

None of this would be possible without the support of Rothley’s partners. The ongoing backing of HSBC Bank in the UK and Guangdong Rural & Commercial (GDRC) Bank in China has been essential in making this project a reality.

Looking to the future, Rothley is poised to continue its growth and innovation journey. With the new factory slated for completion in December 2025, Rothley will be able to better serve its customers, adapt to market demands, and embrace new technologies and hardware manufacturing techniques. Rothley’s continued investment in talent, infrastructure, and technology ensures that the company is well-positioned to lead in an ever-evolving marketplace. The new factory is not just a symbol of Rothley’s past achievements but also a foundation for future success.