There are more than 50 oil-paper umbrella manufacturing companies in Xiangtan's Shigu township, employing more than 2,000 people. They can make 6 million umbrellas every year, accounting for one-third of the production in China, according to the local government.

The umbrellas at Zhou's company, which today employs more than 100 locals, are priced at a range from 10 yuan to several hundred yuan each.

The company has an annual output of 10 million yuan, Zhou Le said, adding that he wants to triple the figure in the coming years.

Tang Luoqun has worked at the company for six years. She used to work in coastal cities with her husband before returning to her hometown to work at Zhou's company.

She can make around 3,000 yuan per month, which is lower than what she could make in cities, but she said she is satisfied because she can look after her two children and elderly parents at home.

zoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn