Li- Ning expands to central China

Li- Ning Industrial Park, the sportswear manufacturing and distribution center of Li-Ning Co Ltd<2331> in Jingmen, Hubei Province, started construction on Thursday, the China Daily reported.

The company's chairman Li Ning and Hubei governor Li Hongzhong laid the foundation stone at the ceremony.

"Building a manufacturing center in Jingmen marks a milestone in Li-Ning's expansion into the markets in central and west China," said, Zhang Zhiyong, CEO of the Guangdong-based sportswear company.

Upon its completion in 2013, the center is expected to contribute 40% to 50% to the company's planned total output and create 50,000 job opportunities in Jingmen, the company said.

Named after its namesake founder, Li-Ning is one of China's most famous sports brand. Its founder Li Ning lighted the Olympic cauldron at the opening of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.