Photo of Dr. Henry Yu

In the 1960s, as global electrification rapidly expanded, the demand for flashlights began to wane, signaling a critical turning point for Sunbeam Manufacturing. At the forefront of this transformation was Dr. Henry Yu, who had returned from his studies in the United States, where he worked as a research and development engineer at General Motors. His vision and technical expertise played a key role in navigating Sunbeam through this challenging period. With a keen interest in R&D and a deep understanding of market trends, Dr. Yu shifted the company’s focus to stainless steel kitchenware, which laid the foundation for the modern Sunnex brand.

Recognizing the need for change and driven by a passion for innovation, Dr. Henry Yu introduced Sunbeam’s first stainless steel product line in 1967 – a set of salt and pepper shakers. This seemingly small step marked the beginning of a major transformation. By 1970, the Sunnex brand was officially registered in Hong Kong and the UK, signaling the company’s commitment to developing its own brand rather than relying on OEM production for larger foreign companies. In 1972, Sunnex Products Ltd. was established to further develop the stainless steel kitchenware line, marking the company’s official entry into this competitive industry.

Salt and Pepper Shakers

Sunnex advertised in HONG KONG ENTERPRISE since the 1st Vol. in Oct 1967.

Sunnex continued to build on its early success with stainless steel kitchenware. What began with a simple condiment set soon expanded to include more complex product lines such as coffee pots, tea sets, and other kitchenware items. The company’s focus on quality and attention to detail led to the production of tea sets with wider, more user-friendly edges, setting Sunnex apart from competitors. By 1975, Sunnex’s products were a hit, particularly in the UK, where over 1 million sets of stainless steel teaware were sold annually. This achievement cemented Sunnex’s reputation for quality and innovation, setting the stage for its continued growth.

Sunnex teaware sold over 100,000 sets in U.K. during 60s – 70s

Besides teaware, Sunnex developed other kitchenware and tableware in the 70s

The 1970s and 1980s were decades of expansion for Sunnex. In 1975, Zodiac Stainless Products Co was established in the UK to cater specifically to the European market. By 1987, Sunnex introduced its first oval chafing dish, expanding its product offerings further and solidifying its presence as a global player in the stainless steel kitchenware industry.

In the 80s, Sunnex developed coffee percolator on the basis of teaware.

This range has been popular and selling well up till now.

The first Sunnex oval chafing dish published in 1987.

From humble beginnings in stainless steel condiment sets to becoming a global leader in stainless steel kitchenware, Sunnex’s journey has been one of perseverance, innovation, and dedication to quality. Today, the legacy of Dr. Henry Yu’s vision continues to drive the company forward as it remains committed to bringing high-quality stainless steel products to households and businesses worldwide.