Wang Jingli wangjingli0715@163.com ESTABLISHED in 2010, Shenzhen Davo Electronic Co. Ltd. (Davo Electron) specializes in the research and development, manufacturing, and sales of rugged keyboards and mice, including industrial, medical, military, explosion-proof, and marine keyboards. Before 2000, most industrial keyboards used in China were imported. This began to change after 2010. With years of experience in industrial keyboards, Zhou Yonghua, founder of Davo Electron, launched the company to provide more domestic solutions. After almost 15 years of development, Davo Electron has been recognized as a Shenzhen-based specialized and sophisticated enterprise (SSE) and a national high-tech enterprise. SSEs are high-end, innovation-driven, small and medium-sized companies that focus on niche markets and posses strong innovation capabilities. They are characterized by their ability to produce novel and unique products and play a crucial role in stabilizing both industrial and supply chains. During a recent interview with Shenzhen Daily, Zhou revealed that the company has maintained a 20% annual growth rate since its founding. Not just ATMs “When I first introduced our business — metal keyboards — most people asked, ‘Do you mean computer keyboards?’ I would explain, giving them ATM keyboards as an example, and they then can get a vague idea,” Zhou recalled. However, metal keyboards go far beyond ATMs. With the rise of digital banking, ATM keyboard demand has declined. Davo quickly pivoted, and today its products are widely used in other fields, including petrochemicals, coal mining, defense, automation, health care, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Unlike conventional keyboards, Davo Electron’s rugged keyboards have specialized treatments for materials, circuitry, protection, lifespan, and extreme temperature resistance — all to withstand harsh operating environments. “Our focus is delivering stability, reliability, and security where it matters most,” said Zhou. In the medical field, keyboards are made with antibacterial materials to reduce cross-infection risks. They also feature waterproof and dustproof designs for easy cleaning and disinfection, ensuring durability and reliability. In the coal mining industry, the use of explosion-proof products is critical for safety. Davo Electron’s independently developed wireless metal keyboard is the country’s first to obtain a mining product safety certification. Custom orders account for approximately 70% of Davo Electron’s business, forming a key part of the company’s customer acquisition strategy. “We are committed to delivering high-quality, customized solutions — even for single-unit orders. The quality of products is our cornerstone,” Zhou explained. “Our comprehensive end-to-end process guarantees consistent quality from initial design through final delivery.” Davo Electron also attaches great importance to research and development — the company holds 20 patents, including four invention patents. Zhou believes industrial keyboards remain essential wherever data input is needed. “In public scenarios, backup equipment is critical. If a screen fails, the keyboard ensures operations continue. So there is always a need,” Zhou added. Robust growth in overseas market Since last year, Davo Electron’s major growth has come from overseas, with a 41% year-on-year increase in foreign trade volume in 2024. This year, the company decided to continue to expand its global dealer networks in Mexico, Turkey, and Finland. Speaking of the choice of these destinations, Zhou said that they have participated in exhibitions across Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Russia, Germany, Mexico, Türkiye, Finland, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai since 2022. Market research confirmed their products best suit industrially mature regions. Currently, 20% of Davo Electron’s business comes from overseas, and that share is expected to grow in the future. When discussing overseas expansion challenges, Zhou highlighted three key considerations. First, talent acquisition poses significant hurdles. “Cultural understanding develops over time,” Zhou noted. “That’s why we’re currently focusing on partnerships with local distributors. “Second, products must be localized. In-depth research is essential to meet the specific demands of each market and achieve the desired results. Third, we are preparing for a long-term effort — continuously improving brand awareness and product adaptability to enhance our competitiveness.” Shenzhen’s competitive edge From a small office to about 40 employees and a 1,500-square-meter factory in Bao’an District, Davo Electron credits its continuous growth to Shenzhen’s supportive business environment. Zhou highlighted that Shenzhen’s agile supply chain ensures rapid adaptation to customer needs. “The efficiency can perfectly empower companies to go overseas. Additionally, the city’s appeal to high-end talent is indispensable to local companies’ global competitiveness,” Zhou noted. | 