Shaanxi Leap's decorative models feature various abstract designs.

New models come in durable and lightweight constructions. Some boast expanded writing space and visually pleasing motifs.

Under efforts to enrich their selections, suppliers in China are releasing whiteboards with better designs.

For stronger construction and longer service life, makers are employing hard-wearing components. These include high-pressure laminated or HPL board, which is said to last for 25 years under normal use.

Aside from being more durable, many new models are lightweight. For convenient carrying, some have handles, while others may be flexed and rolled. Most portable designs also come with cords or magnetic rubber backs so they can be easily affixed on walls.

Makers are launching reversible versions for increased writing space. Models that combine at least two boards via a sliding mechanism are also being released.

Taking functionality a level higher, suppliers are developing products that offer more than just the core capability. One company interviewed, for instance, has introduced designs fitted with a clock. Other models are integrated with mesh and corkboards.

Further, makers are bundling a range of value-added items such as markers, erasers, magnets and pushpins. Some whiteboards even have built-in trays for holding these accessories.

Improvements are also being geared toward stronger aesthetic appeal. To achieve this, suppliers are utilizing various frame treatments. Among a number of choices, wood is favored for edging decorative models.

Additionally, companies adorn whiteboards with different printed motifs, including 4-color cartoons and black-and-white abstract designs.

Many makers are experimenting with shapes as well. While rectangular versions remain best-sellers, die-cut irregular forms are gaining momentum.

	Made of paper and magnetic rubber, this portable model from Beijing Stronger Rich comes with a marker.

China whiteboards come in portable, wall-mount and floor-standing types. The majority of the latest releases have a metal construction.

Among suppliers interviewed for this report, Ricon International Trading Co. Ltd uses galvanized iron sheets. For added value, the company bundles two magnets and a marker with the 20x30x0.6cm board.

Many of Elen International Co. Ltd’s designs come in aluminum. Wall-mount models can be fitted with trays. The standard sizes are 30x45, 45x60 and 60x90cm.

Other manufacturers utilize HPL boards for nonmagnetic but equally durable versions. Suppliers focusing on lightweight designs, meanwhile, employ paper-based materials.

Releases from Beijing Stronger Rich Imp. & Exp. Co. Ltd, for example, are made of laminated A4 or A5 cardboard. Backed with a magnetic rubber sheet, these can be conveniently affixed on metal surfaces.

To save time and transportation costs, most companies source components locally. Some procure abroad for better quality.

Moving beyond material diversity, many suppliers revamp designs to distance themselves from competitors.

Fusin Technology Development Co. Ltd has launched a magnetic whiteboard equipped with a clock.

Shaanxi Leap Imp. & Exp. Co. Ltd has released models featuring various black-and-white abstract art patterns. When placed together, these frameless products give a decorative wall treatment.

The company also offers multifunction designs. Among these is the CD399 model, which integrates a weekly planner and a mesh board.

Home to more than 450 exporters in the line, China contributes 15 percent of world supply. Makers are located primarily in Shanghai, Beijing, and the provinces of Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu. North and South America, Europe, Australia and Asia are the main markets.

Reaching $600 million in 2007, export sales are driven by contract work. In fact, most suppliers interviewed cater chiefly to OEM clients.

At Ricon, for example, all overseas shipments are buyer-specified designs. Tesco, Carrefour and Auchan are among the major customers.

OEM and ODM orders account for 90 percent of Beijing Stronger Rich’s exports. The company’s 10-member R&D team can develop a sample in five to seven days.

Even as the industry is OEM-oriented, some suppliers are building in-house brands to ensure long-term competitiveness abroad.

OBM orders constitute half of Shaanxi Leap’s overseas shipments. The ISO 9001:2000-certified manufacturer is boosting market recognition of its Levic trademark by releasing models with multifunction features.

Twenty percent of Elen’s exports are under the in-house brand. To keep its selection fresh, the 20-member R&D team launches 10 designs each month.

While only a few suppliers specialize in whiteboards, many others offer the product as a substantial category. At most companies, the line accounts for more than one-third of total output. Various gift and premium items constitute the rest.

Shaanxi Leap dedicates half of manufacturing to whiteboards. It offers writing instruments, pen and candle holders, holiday decorations and wooden crafts as well.

At Beijing Stronger Rich, 40 percent of production is devoted to the line. Keychains, glow-in-the-dark novelties, and other promotional items are also supplied.

The majority of China makers operate factories equipped with machines for cutting, spray-painting and printing. Many are capable of performing all production processes in-house. A few others outsource packaging and accessories, including markers, magnets and pushpins.

Designs are usually tested for the strength of parts and the presence of harmful contaminants. As a result, products can comply with a range of international requirements. Releases from Elen and Ricon, for instance, bear the CE mark.