Zhang Shuhong
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Zhang Shuhong | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1957 |
| Died | 11 August 2007 (aged 49–50) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Owner of Lee Der Industrial; involved in the 2007 Chinese export recalls |
| Notable work | Oversight of Mattel and Fisher-Price toy production |
Zhang Shuhong (Chinese: 张树鸿, 1957 – 11 August 2007) was a Chinese businessman and factory owner.[1] Zhang committed suicide after toys made at his factory for Fisher-Price (a division of Mattel) were found to contain lead paint.[2]
Lee Der Industrial
Zhang Shuhong worked at the Lee Der Industrial company for over ten years before taking over as head of the company's day-to-day operations.[3] The Lee Der company, which is based in Foshan, China, and is also known as Lida,[4] was a major supplier of toys and other products for Western companies, including Mattel and its subsidiary, Fisher-Price. Zhang was described by employees and co-workers as an entrepreneur. Lee Der Industrial was losing money and suffering financial losses at the time that Zhang took over operations.[3] Zhang was credited with stopping the money loss. He invested much of Lee Der's earnings back into the company, investing in new buildings, capital and equipment.[3] According to Lee Der employees, Zhang was planning to move one of his three factories to a new US$5 million plant that had recently been completed.[3] Zhang was reportedly devoted to the Lee Der Industrial company.[3] He resided on the factory grounds in a 25-square-meter room for the 10 years before his death to be close to his work.[3] Zhang also owned two subsidiaries, which were named Hengjing and Shuaimeng.[2]
