Shan County, China:Pioneering the Global Fiberglass Industry with 80% Market Dominance
Industry 2025年3月24日
Summary:
Shan County in Shandong Province has transformed its fiberglass industry from small-scale workshops to a high-tech manufacturing hub, accounting for 80% of China’s fiberglass output. Leveraging decades of expertise, strategic government support, and cutting-edge R&D collaborations, the county now leads the nation in producing advanced materials for industries ranging from aerospace to renewable energy.
1. Historical Evolution & Industrial Upgrading
Once dominated by state-owned factories established in the 1970s, Shan County’s fiberglass sector transitioned to a private-sector-led industry in the 1990s. Today, it boasts 70+ enterprises (including 13 large-scale firms) and 500+ individual workshops, concentrated in four key towns. The local government’s 2021 initiative to build a national high-performance materials industrial park catalyzed modernization, replacing outdated machinery with 300 platinum crucibles and 6,000 air-jet looms. This shift enabled mass production of 70+ product varieties, including aluminum foil cloth, insulation fabric, and window screens.
2. Technological Innovation & R&D Collaboration
Shan County’s success hinges on strategic partnerships with Nanjing Fiberglass Research Institute (China’s sole fiberglass R&D body) and adoption of a **”talent hub” model**. These efforts yielded:
- A materials science institute and testing center for quality assurance
- 100+ patents and 50+ pending applications
- Automation upgrades for spinning equipment and weaving machinery
By prioritizing R&D-driven innovation, the county shifted from low-value raw material exports to high-margin engineered products like high-temperature-resistant glass fiber for aerospace and electrical insulation materials for EV batteries.
3. Market Leadership & Global Reach
Shan County dominates 80% of China’s fiberglass market, with key products holding over 80% domestic market share. Notable exporters like Tianrui New Materials and Pengxin Fiberglass ship to 50+ countries, including the U.S., Australia, and Turkey. In 2023, exports totaled **$1.2 billion**, fueled by demand for lightweight composites in automotive and renewable energy sectors.
4. Economic Impact & Sustainable Growth
The industry generates **¥6 billion in annual revenue** and employs 20,000+ workers (average salary ¥5,000/month), plus 50,000+ indirect jobs in logistics and services. Local policies—such as tax incentives and infrastructure investments—have sustained growth while balancing environmental stewardship.
5. Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Shan County aims to:
- Double down on smart manufacturing with AI-driven production lines
- Expand into carbon fiber and renewable energy materials
- Strengthen global partnerships through overseas R&D centers
