TCL continues significant Australian growth with Harvey Norman agreement and new production facilities

Sydney, AUSTRALIA– TCL Electronics Australia Pty Ltd today announced it has added approximately 180 new stores to its national distribution footprint, with Harvey Norman agreeing to stock its core range of Televisions across its stores which also include Domayne and Joyce Mayne. Coinciding with this announcement, TCL’s parent company announced that its new 8.5-generation LCD panel production line has reached full capacity three months ahead of schedule, a move that will ensure ongoing supply of stock to meet this expanded retail footprint and focus on Australian growth.

With the addition of Harvey Norman stores to existing retail partners which include The Good Guys, Betta Electrical, Bing Lee, Retravision, Radio Rentals and other independent electrical stores, TCL will expand their retail footprint by 40% as they actively position themselves as a viable alternative to the ‘top 4’ current Television suppliers.

This agreement will ensure TCL’s extensive range of televisions ranging from 19-inch to 55-inch models are available on-shelf throughout the Harvey Norman network, and include the latest features desired by Australian consumers including SMART TV, 3D, Ultra Slim bezel, Edge Lit LED, SMART PVR, 100Hz, full HDTV and more.

The news comes only a week after TCL’s 8,5-Generation LCD production facility reached the significant milestone of production capacity three months ahead of schedule, ensuring global markets including Australia will be well supplied as TCL’s expansion continues. This facility, a joint-venture between TCL Corporation, Samsung and the Shenzhen Municipal Government, produced 108,000 panels in September alone, and will provide greater cost control and stability in the supply of LCD panels to TCL, which will in turn benefit its important growth markets including Australia.

According to Sunny Xiang, General Manager of TCL Electronics Australia, the product range as well as owning next generation production facilities were important factor in Harvey Norman’s decision to partner with TCL,

“We know our panels are highly regarded in the industry and have confidence that our products look good, have leading technology and are priced well, comparing very favourably to the current market leaders. Now we will be reaching an even wider market and consumers will have a chance to see this for themselves in many new stores,”

“Harvey Norman has shown over many years their ability to educate consumers about new technology and brands. Alongside our other retail partners, it is the perfect platform for TCL and what will be a significant year of growth for us in 2013,”

“As an organization with its own state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, we can ensure continuity of supply, quality of product and pricing to our retail partners, all important strengths as retailers look at partnerships with the emerging Chinese companies in the Australian market.” said Xiang.

The expanded retail presence and increased brand equity that will come from these latest moves will also see TCL review its 2013 expansion plans in other browngoods as well as whitegoods. While TCL refrigeration models are already available in Australia, there is access to an extensive global product portfolio that will lead to new local category introductions as awareness and trust in the TCL brand grows, while the company will continue to invest in brand and marketing initiatives locally.

About TCL
Founded in 1981 with headquarters in China, TCL (The Creative Life) is one of the world's leading consumer electronics manufacturers and a leader in technology and innovation. With seven research and development centres, 20 manufacturing centres globally and an 8.5 Generation LCD Panel Production Plant, TCL consistently combines advanced engineering with stylish designs to deliver quality products and outstanding entertainment experiences. TCL is the leading Television brand in China and one of the fastest-growing manufacturers in the industry, having expanded into North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Russia, the Middle East and Africa. TCL Electronics Australia Pty Ltd commenced in late 2004 and is committed to providing customers with quality product and exceptional local after-sales support and service. Locally, TCL’s product range includes television and refrigeration, and is available in Harvey Norman, The Good Guys, Betta Electrical, Retravision, Bing Lee, Radio Rentals and other selected retailers.