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Tarn is cheaper than China

A smartphone accessories maker is moving some production back from China to Gaillac in the Tarn - because it is cheaper to do in France.

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“It makes sense economically,†said Valérie Boutet, communications director of UniConcept-Swiss Charger.

“The company will pay less in transport and import duties, and gain in flexibility, so the parts will actually be cheaper to produce here.â€

The move will create up to 100 jobs, a big win for the town, after another local firm Alphacan recently shed 92 jobs.

The Gaillac - Chinese connection began after one of the residents who had experience of doing business in China helped set up a cultural exchange.

Gaillac is now twinned with the town of Qi Gong and will be holding a Chinese lantern festival later this year.

Mayor Patrice Gausserand has visited China, the junior football team is booked to compete in a tournament there in July, the town will represent France at a Food Production Salon in Pekin and the lycée’s Chinese classes are over-subscribed.