Workers at Corelead Optoelectronics' Serbia factory assemble smart mirrors. [Photo provided to Ningbo Evening News]

In Ningbo's work to deepen ties with Central and Eastern Europe, one local company is building smart mirrors — and stronger bridges — between cultures and markets, reported Ningbo Evening News.

Ningbo Corelead Optoelectronics Technology Co Ltd, a lighting firm specializing in intelligent LED mirrors, established its first overseas factory in Paracin, Serbia in 2021. The move came after an unexpected challenge: a Spanish client received a flawed shipment worth 10 million yuan ($1.38 million).

"I felt personally responsible," said the company's founder and chairman Yu Xiongwei. “It wasn't just about fixing a product — it was about keeping a promise.”

With flights and visas restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic, Yu chose Serbia for its visa-free access and central location. He flew in alone, located a repair team, and organized the delivery of fixed products across Europe — an effort that won the Spanish client's lasting trust.

"They told us they'd never seen a partner so committed to solving a problem," Yu said.

What began as a crisis response soon evolved into a long-term strategy. Corelead registered a local company, hired Serbian workers, and became the first LED mirror manufacturer in the country.

"Our Serbian team is able to handle urgent orders in just three days, cutting delivery times and boosting our competitiveness," said Yu.

Founded in 2015, Corelead has grown from selling $3 mirror lights to offering $50 smart mirrors with Bluetooth touchscreens, color lighting, and even built-in makeup fridges and phone chargers. Sales jumped from 100 million yuan in 2021 to 180 million yuan in 2024.

As Ningbo prepares to host the fourth China-CEEC Expo from May 22–25, Yu sees new opportunities ahead.

"Ningbo is more than where we started. It's the support system behind everything we've built overseas," he said, "With the free trade agreement between China and Serbia, we're ready to take the next leap."