BRITISH manufacturer Thorn Lighting is negotiating the setting up of three joint-venture factories in China to produce lighting systems.
Thorn, which boasts Jardine Pacific as its strategic Asia-Pacific partner, is hoping to strengthen its presence in what is the fastest-growing market in the world.
General manager Lam Chung-kit said Thorn's strength was in the design and installation of lighting systems for infrastructure projects such as airports and highways.
Mr Lam said in 1993 and 1994 Thorn completed projects in 22 mainland airports and that 40 to 50 airports in China were pencilled in for renovation or upgrading in the next decade.
'This is really a huge market,' he said. Each project was worth $5 million to $6 million.
Thorn also has systems to provide floodlights for sports grounds, light museums and commercial buildings.