In 2012, amid stringent domestic real estate policies and a complex international economic climate, overall market demand was sluggish, and economic pressures mounted. This environment left many safe manufacturers feeling the chill, with numerous executives considering it a success merely to maintain previous-year performance levels. Against this trend, CIIQ Safe achieved remarkable growth, exceeding 30%. To explore CIIQ's unusual development path, a reporter interviewed Mr. Zhou Yongming, Chairman of Ningbo CIIQ Security Company.
Reporter: Mr. Zhou, could you briefly introduce your company?
Mr. Zhou: Ningbo CIIQ Security Equipment Co., Ltd. is a technology enterprise focused on the R&D, production, and sales of anti-theft and fire-resistant safes. With a long history in precision sheet metal manufacturing, CIIQ is dedicated to pioneering in security, guided by deep expertise and a unique perspective on security as an art form. By tracking market trends and integrating international security technologies, we combine German precision with Chinese aesthetic and practical needs. This approach allows us to deliver intelligent design and robust construction, creating an artisan-level security experience for discerning homeowners and dedicated professionals, establishing our leadership among safe brands.
Reporter: Despite the industry downturn and weak market demand this year, CIIQ has maintained strong growth. What are the key factors? Any business secrets?
Mr. Zhou: The sluggish economy has indeed impacted us. Growth of our previously popular 'Black Shark' series has slowed. However, our consistent emphasis on R&D investment and technological reserves has yielded numerous new products, technologies, and processes. Over the past three years, our R&D investment has exceeded 7% of sales revenue, far above the industry average. This year, successful launches of new products like the 'Gold Shark' and 'New Blue Whale' series—with their classic designs, superior anti-theft performance, and high quality—have been well-received. Concurrently, breakthroughs in domestic sales channels, including partnerships with major retail chains like Red Star Macalline, Yuexing Home, Easyhome, Suning, and Gome, have contributed to our optimistic sales outlook.
Reporter: CIIQ products are visually distinctive, boasting both aesthetic appeal and user-centric design. Could you discuss your design philosophy and future direction?
Mr. Zhou: As an industry flagship brand, we believe home security embodies both technology and art. We early on aspired to become master artisans in security. Our vision and craftsmanship drive us to constantly innovate, prioritizing user-friendly operation. We blend global security technology with superior manufacturing and collecting-grade aesthetics, crafting safes with unparalleled internal and external refinement. High-level professional teams manage market research, product planning, design, structural engineering, packaging, and promotion, collaborating with industrial and graphic design firms. This ensures our anti-theft performance and aesthetics remain industry-leading. Each meticulously crafted CIIQ safe radiates technological excellence and artistic charm, resulting in market classics like the 'Earl,' 'Gold Shark,' and 'Black Shark' series.
Reporter: Beyond their appearance, CIIQ safes are praised for their technical performance. What are the main technical highlights?
Mr. Zhou: Since entering the safe industry, we have maintained high product standards. Our initial fire-resistant safe, developed with Nanjing University and the Fire Department of the Ministry of Public Security, passed the rigorous UL fire test immediately, achieving international advanced fire resistance and making us one of only three domestic manufacturers with this certification. Recently, our R&D center's new 'Stepless Cyclonic Locking Technology' passed strict examination by the German Patent and Trademark Office, receiving German technical certification—reportedly a rare authorization for a traditional Chinese safe maker from an industrial powerhouse like Germany. This technology features threaded door bolts that screw into the safe body, creating a powerful lateral force that integrates the door and body into a single, virtually impenetrable unit when locked. Safes utilizing this technology offer anti-theft performance multiples greater than ordinary safes.
Reporter: Thank you for the insights. We now have a deeper understanding of CIIQ Safe and look forward to more surprises for consumers in the future.
Mr. Zhou: Thank you.
