CEO of Leoni Cable(China)Co.Ltd.

CIIP: Hello, Jerry. Thanks again for accepting the interview. First, would you please introduce yourself and your companies in Changzhou to our audiences worldwide?

Jerry Cummins: Thank you very much. My name is Jerry Cummins. I have been working here for Changzhou now for more than 20 years. I represent Leony Cable activities here as chairman and CEO. Leony is a German-owned company and we have around 2,000 people here in Changzhou in 5 different plants. We produce cable and cable systems for automotive and general industry applications.

CIIP: As you mentioned you have stayed in Changzhou for more than 20 years, so what changes have you seen over the period of time you have stayed and doing business here?

Jerry Cummins: The changes have been so significant. I think many people find very hard to believe how China looked like 20 years ago and how it looks now. So for me, it’s really now quite a vibrant city here and good infrastructure and a very good place to work and live. It’s not only for Chinese people here, but also for our foreigners. So the changes are great I think!

CIIP: Of all the changes you have witnessed throughout the years here, which are positive and which do you think are negative?

Jerry Cummins: Yeah, just as I mentioned earlier, of course there are many many positive changes particularly say here in Changzhou. Many people have been taken out of the lower standard of living. They have huge amount of education opportunities and work opportunities. I guess the standard of living in terms of housing, infrastructure, health care, education and so on have been improved greatly. The business environment of course has become much much better, much more transparent. Many basic services are now available and are taking into standard. Of course many people are concerned now are the things like the heavy traffic and environment issue. And the challenges for all of us now are how to handle the early environmental impact the city of Changzhou has taken.

CIIP: Some foreign friends told us about your noteworthy personal perspective on the importance of social responsibility of a foreign business should have in Changzhou. So can you tell us about that please?

Jerry Cummins: First of all, I was born and grown up in Ireland and living a long time in Germany. It’s normally for us and for our company as well as individuals to be involved in social projects within the communities.  It’s a long tradition of volunteer organizations. It’s not just an organization of dealing with people who have problems, is also supporting the schools, sports and of course supporting good causes. It’s natural you know when things goes well individually and for the company, I think we should also give something back to the community.

CIIP: 5 plants in Changzhou, you have stayed here for a long period of time. And what is your advice to other companies who are considering coming to Changzhou to do business?

Jerry Cummins: First of all, you have to come to know the city, so please being here for some time. I think for every company setting their personal decision depending on their customers and market. So I can only say that from Leony point of view, I can recommend Changzhou is a good place to invest in. I can also share our experiences with those companies who want to do business in Changzhou. We already set up an AEFI Association for foreign enterprises here in the Xinbei district. You can come to talk to us and we can help answer your early questions and help you find a good location too.

CIIP: Thank you Jerry for accepting my interview.

Jerry Cummins: It’s my pleasure!