China's township and village enterprises: Kelon's competitive edge

Most examinations of business in China have focused on large state firms or international joint ventures. However, the most successful group of businesses in China are the township and village enterprises. Success in the China market requires that or business have a full understanding of the marketplace. This article helps both practitioners and academics by examining how township and village enterprises differ from other classes of businesses. We then examine the case of Kelon. one of the most successful of the township businesses in China. As the nation's largest refrigerator manufacturer, Kelon hats developed resources that have shaped its success. By examining these resources, both domestic Chinese firms and international firms can learn to better compete in the Chinese marketplace.