A Market Turning Point and a New Technological Chapter
A Market Turning Point and a New Technological Chapter
Wong further diversified his business by expanding into the production of high‑margin binoculars. The competitiveness of these products was such that representatives of the Japanese binocular manufacturers’ association travelled to Hong Kong to urge him not to set prices too low. Central to his success was a strategy of vertical integration: components ranging from optical lenses and die‑cast housings to the smallest springs and screws were manufactured in‑house, securing significant cost and quality advantages. He also invested early in computer‑aided design and computer‑aided manufacturing technologies, enhancing precision, accelerating production, and shortening time‑to‑market. During the 1970s, the company broadened its portfolio further to include cassette tape recorders.
From the 1970s onwards, W. Haking adopted a dual production model, with approximately 80 per cent of output devoted to original equipment manufacturing and 20 per cent produced under the Halina brand. The company manufactured optical products for leading international firms including Kodak, Fujifilm, Ricoh, Nikon, Polaroid, and Agfa. At its peak, daily production exceeded 30,000 cameras and 6,000 binoculars, making it the world’s largest producer of binoculars and one of the major global manufacturers of optical instruments.
The company’s crown emblem embodied Wong’s philosophy and identity. Formed from the initials “W” and “H”, the lower half of the “H” was designed to resemble a camera lens and a beam of penetrating light—a visual expression of his enduring reputation as the “Father of Optics”.
W. Haking Industries' products at the 29th Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo*
Halina's booth at the Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo, 1960s*
Advertisement for Halina cameras in the UK, 1960s
Advertisement for Halina camera in the UK, 1980s
*Image Source: The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong