Our History
Our History
Since 1993 Tianlong has built a global LPG cylinder manufacturing business through steady investment in quality, local production, and export capability. Below is our development timeline, key milestones, and how we partner with distributors and gas companies worldwide.
1993 — Founding and first production line
Tianlong Cylinders was founded in Hangzhou in 1993 and quickly established a full production workflow from raw steel rolling to finished cylinders. In the first years the company focused on building capacity and implementing a formal quality system.
1993
1998
1994–1998 — Licensing and early certification
By 1994 Tianlong obtained the national production license for gas cylinders and began implementing standardized quality controls. In 1998 the company achieved ISO 9001 certification, marking the start of a systematized quality management program.
2000s — Scaling production and market reach
Through the 2000s Tianlong expanded capacity and improved automated lines. By 2015 annual output reached approximately 1.8 million cylinders, with ~80% exported to over 45 countries — demonstrating our strong B2B export footprint.
2000
2016
2016 — Environmental management
In 2016 Tianlong obtained ISO 14001, strengthening our environmental management and aligning production with international sustainability practices.
2016–2024 — Localized factories and joint models
To better serve regional markets and reduce logistics lead time, Tianlong established factories and partner projects in Nigeria (2013), Kenya (operations expanded around 2017–2018), Cameroon and South Africa (project rollouts 2022–2024), and later sites including Guinea. Local production enables faster delivery, simplified after-sales service, and easier maintenance for distributors.
2024
2026+
Modern production footprint
Today Tianlong operates multiple production sites across China and Africa and maintains centralized QA teams and testing equipment — including pressure/hydrostatic test lines — to ensure product consistency across all locations.
Our Cooperation Models
We offer flexible cooperation models for partners and governments:
Turnkey factory setup & production management — equipment provision, mold supply, and on-site commissioning.
Contract manufacturing & OEM — produce under your brand, including embossing and private label options.
Part supply & spare parts — valves, valve seats, O-rings, nuts, foot rings and more, available as mixed containers.
Production outsourcing / managed operations — we can operate factories under professional management to stabilize output.
Training, installation & QC manuals — operator training, installation support, and full quality management documentation.
Looking Ahead
Tianlong’s strategy is focused on sustainable growth, local presence, and quality assurance. Over the next phase we will continue expanding regional manufacturing, upgrade automated lines, and strengthen supply chain resilience so our distributor partners can rely on steady, compliant supply close to market.