Kader Industrial Company Limited was founded by Mr. Ting Hsiung-chao in 1948. He had previously established the Wei Ming Flashlight and Battery Works and the Pau Chiu Light Bulb Factory, both successful businesses in Shanghai before 1949. Mr. H.C. Ting believed that success is built upon diligence and a dictum that nothing short of perfection was acceptable.   Being an unusual entrepreneur, Mr. H.C. Ting not only designed his own products, he also developed the machines that made them to streamline processes. Kader’s products carried the “OK” logo, a trademark devised by Mr. H.C. Ting to emphasize the reliability and quality all products made by the Company. Kader started as a manufacturer of plastic flashlights, a logical complement to Mr. H.C. Ting’s dry cell battery business. Leveraging on the machinery, the Company soon diversified

Mr. Ting Hsiung-chao, founder of Kader, in the old showroom

into manufacturing plastic household goods. Marketed under the “Fortune” brand, products ranged from simple and colourful combs and rulers to plastic cups, bowls, plates, chopsticks, poker chips, eyeglasses
and cigarette boxes.

Kader entered into toys in 1954. By the late 50s to early 60s, the Company already offered a complete line of plastic toys and models. Kader also started manufacturing for major foreign brand names during this time. In 1969, the Company’s products won three of the top eight Gold and Silver Medal prizes during the 33rd Annual Packaging Competition sponsored by the American “Variety Department Store” Magazine. Under Mr. H.C. Ting’s leadership, Kader became known for its fair pricing and fine products.

The Kader factory located in North Point in 1969

In the 70s and 80s, business from foreign clients continued to expand, leading the Company to produce such famous products as the original Star Wars figurines, Teddy Ruxpin and Cabbage Patch Kids. The Company also started its Mainland operations, opening its first factory in the border town of Shekou in 1983.   The move allowed Kader to overcome labour supply constraints in Hong Kong, making room for further growth. Led by sons Dr. Dennis Ting and Mr. Kenneth Ting, the Company was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1985.

From the 1990s to the present, while continuing to manufacture for major foreign brands, Kader started to pursue opportunities in the model railroading industry as well. The Company acquired Bachmann Brothers, Inc. in 1981, Liliput in 1994 and Williams Reproductions in 2007, as well as launching the Bachmann Branchline and Bachmann China brands in 1989 and 1999 respectively. A major milestone in the Company’s development was the acquisition, in 2009, of model railroad and road race manufacturer Sanda Kan. Operating independently under its own management, Sanda Kan added ten factories and an 8,000 strong workforce with 25 years of R&D and manufacturing experience to Kader’s already extensive operations. Through these acquisitions, Kader was able to transfer the technical know-how of manufacturing sophisticated models to vastly enhance moulds and products across all manufacturing divisions. Between 1996 and 2009, Kader’s products won more than 30 “Model of the Year”, “Manufacturer of the Year” and many other awards sponsored by Model Railroader, BahnProfil, Eisenbahn and other various magazines and industry organisations.

Over a span of more than 70 years, the small operation has evolved into a multinational conglomerate. Looking to the future, Kader continues to be committed to Mr. H.C. Ting’s business philosophy. The Company is dedicated to provide fair pricing, superior service and high calibre products for all our clients and customers.