GORDON STYLES

“Western people like me are considered by some an endangered species in their home countries. I am a passionate engineer and a dedicated manufacturer. If you love factories as much as I do, you will understand why I love Guangdong Province so much (if you do not, you will probably think that I am just plain mad!). The first time I visited China I was driven from Shenzhen to Dongguan – it was an endless vista of factories and dormitories for 50kms. It would appal most westerners; but I had a feeling that finally I had arrived home. I think that I can thank my Father for my passion for engineering. During the UK powercuts and three day working weeks of 1973, my Father constructed a hidden factory and generator at the bottom of our garden and the workers came and worked there when they were supposed to be at home. As an 8 year old it was fantastic fun. I would help my father with turning of tiny parts and bit of milling and hand finishing. From 11 I would regularly spend my holidays working in the factory – my Mum thought it was irresponsible (rightly), but my Dad and I loved it. I wanted to leave school and join Dad at 16 (mainly so I could earn money to buy guitars), but my Mum had a fit (rightly), so I did college and joined at 18. My Dad was born in 1916, and in 1987 he died leaving me at 21 in charge of our little precision machining company. I learnt CNC and CADCAM in 1991, and have continued my learning ever since. My particular specialism is 5 Axis machining. Now that I am in China, I feel as if I am at the centre of World manufacturing.”

What’s in a name?

Gordon Styles is known professionally in China as 高登 Gao Deng (pronounced ‘Gow Dung’) meaning ‘person climbing to great heights’: an ancient name for someone who has graduated from the school of Mandarins and is destined for high position in life; Gordon is known privately as 高叔叔 Gao Shu Shu (pronounced ‘Gow Shoo Shoo’) meaning Tall Uncle.