NOVEDRATE, ITALY - Hardware manufacturer Salice has expanded its sales and service with the establishment of two branch offices in Southeast Asia.

Salice Asia is based in Hong Kong. The cabinet and furniture hardware manufacturer also opened Salice China in Shanghai. The company said the new commercial subsidiary and logistics hub will manage and coordinate the large and fast-growing Chinese market, providing technical assistance, service flexibility and quick deliveries.

Salice established its first two branches in Germany and France back in 1971 and now has nine subsidiaries across the world along with a comprehensive network of distributors. A wholly owned subsidiary of Arturo Salice SpA, Salice Canada was established in Mississauga, ON, in 1988. Salice America was established in 1989 in Charlotte, NC, and in 1993 the company also opened a branch office in Los Angeles (Rancho Cucamonga), CA.

Arturo Salice entry into hardware began back in 1926 as a retail distributor. At the end of the fifties he began producing of his own line of furniture hardware and on Feb. 22, 1957, Salice registered its first international patent covering a concealed, self-closing furniture hinge. The company's headquarters moved to Novedrate, Italy, in 1975.

Salice has approximately 600 patents for furniture and cabinet hinges and opening systems. The company's products also include mounting plates, dampers, lifting systems, sliding systems, concertina doors, connecting fittings as well as small related machines and presses.