Ruan Jixiang, founder of Jack Sewing Machine Co Ltd in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, inspects a sewing machine at the workshop. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

For many people, manufacturing and selling sewing machines might seem a bit old fashioned. However, Ruan Jixiang, founder of Jack Sewing Machine Co Ltd in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, holds a different view. He has managed to bring his sewing machines to an international audience.

After years of struggling in small businesses, Ruan and his brothers set up a company named "Feiqiu" 24 years ago in Taizhou which made and sold sewing machines.

At that time, many Chinese companies were focused on expanding into developing countries. However, Ruan turned his eyes to the domestic market, where high-quality machines were in high demand. The business strategy proved a success and after three and a half years, his company was able to generate profits of over 10 million yuan ($1.49 million) a year.

Then, the brothers began to think about what direction they wanted to take the company. After three days of meetings and discussions, they agreed that industrialized development would be the new trend in the clothing field.

They decided to cut down on the production of household sewing machines and invest more in industrial use machines. The company upgraded its production lines and invited top engineers to improve its technology.

The modern production lines at the Jack Sewing Machine Co Ltd [Photo/zjol.com.cn]