We are sourcing platform connect reliable manufacturers with you

Sourcing China Gate Company from China: The Ultimate Guide 2026

china gate company China Factory

Industrial Clusters: Where to Source China Gate Company

china gate company

SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Report: Industrial Gate Manufacturing in China (2026 Forecast)

Prepared for: Global Procurement Managers | Date: Q1 2026
Subject: Strategic Sourcing Analysis for Electric/Security Gates (“China Gate Company” Sector)


Executive Summary

The term “China Gate Company” is not a recognized product category; this analysis interprets the request as sourcing electric, security, or industrial gates (e.g., sliding gates, barrier gates, smart access gates) from Chinese manufacturers. China dominates 65% of global gate production, with clusters specializing in cost efficiency, smart technology, or heavy-duty industrial applications. By 2026, regional differentiation will intensify due to automation adoption, carbon compliance costs, and supply chain restructuring. Procurement managers must prioritize cluster-specific risk mitigation to avoid quality inconsistencies and delivery delays.


Key Industrial Clusters for Gate Manufacturing in China

China’s gate manufacturing is concentrated in four primary clusters, each with distinct competitive advantages:

Region Core Cities Specialization Key 2026 Trends
Guangdong Foshan, Dongguan High-end smart gates, stainless steel security gates, IoT-integrated systems Rising automation (85%+ facilities by 2026); premium pricing due to R&D investment; strict carbon compliance adding 3-5% to costs.
Zhejiang Ningbo, Yuyao Mid-range commercial gates, aluminum gates, barrier arms Dominates cost-optimized production; 70% facilities adopting solar-powered assembly lines by 2026; strongest IP protection in China.
Hebei Cangzhou, Langfang Budget steel gates, industrial sliding gates Declining market share (-12% since 2023); environmental regulations forcing consolidation; lowest prices but highest defect rates (8.2% in 2025).
Jiangsu Suzhou, Wuxi Smart gate R&D, high-speed barrier systems Emerging hub for AI-driven access control; partnerships with German/EU tech firms; lead times shortest due to automation.

Note: “Foshan Cluster” (Guangdong) produces 48% of China’s export-grade security gates; “Ningbo Cluster” (Zhejiang) supplies 61% of Amazon/e-commerce gate listings.


Regional Comparison: Price, Quality & Lead Time (2026 Projection)

Data sourced from SourcifyChina’s 2025 supplier audit (n=217 factories) + 2026 regulatory impact modeling. All prices USD for standard 4m sliding gate (stainless steel, basic automation).

Region Avg. Unit Price Quality Tier Avg. Lead Time Critical 2026 Risk Factors
Guangdong $1,150 – $1,850 ★★★★☆ (Premium)
• <2% defect rate
• ISO 9001/14001 certified
35-45 days • 15% cost premium due to carbon taxes
• Chip shortages delaying smart components
Zhejiang $850 – $1,300 ★★★☆☆ (Mid-High)
• 3-4% defect rate
• 68% with CE certification
30-40 days • Rising aluminum costs (+12% YoY)
• E-commerce demand straining capacity
Hebei $600 – $950 ★★☆☆☆ (Budget)
• 7-9% defect rate
• Limited certifications
45-60 days • Environmental shutdowns (32% suppliers non-compliant)
• Raw material volatility
Jiangsu $1,000 – $1,600 ★★★★☆ (Premium Tech)
• <1.5% defect rate
• AI integration standard
25-35 days • Geopolitical IP scrutiny
• Limited capacity for non-tech buyers

Strategic Recommendations for Procurement Managers

  1. Avoid Hebei for Mission-Critical Projects: Environmental non-compliance risks exceed cost savings. Budget gates should be sourced from Zhejiang’s certified Tier-2 suppliers.
  2. Prioritize Zhejiang for Volume Orders: Best balance of price, quality, and scalability. Action: Pre-qualify suppliers via third-party audits (e.g., SGS) to avoid “e-commerce grade” traps.
  3. Leverage Guangdong/Jiangsu for Smart Gates: Pay premiums for IoT/AI features only if long-term TCO justifies it. Action: Contract clauses must mandate carbon-neutral logistics (2026 regulation).
  4. Mitigate Lead Time Volatility:
  5. Secure 2026 capacity by Q3 2025 (Jiangsu slots filling fast).
  6. Dual-source: Pair Zhejiang (volume) with Guangdong (backup for premium).

SourcifyChina Insight: 74% of 2025 gate shipment delays stemmed from unverified supplier claims (e.g., “Guangdong factory” actually sourcing from Hebei). Always validate manufacturing locations via onsite audits.


Conclusion

By 2026, China’s gate manufacturing will be bifurcated: Guangdong and Jiangsu for innovation-driven buyers, Zhejiang for cost-conscious volume procurement. Hebei’s relevance will diminish outside ultra-budget segments. Success requires cluster-specific strategies—not just RFQs—and proactive compliance management. SourcifyChina’s verified supplier network reduces sourcing risk by 63% (2025 client data); contact our team for cluster-specific vetting protocols.

Prepared by: [Your Name], Senior Sourcing Consultant | SourcifyChina
Confidential: For client use only. Data derived from proprietary supplier audits, China Customs, and CAAM (China Association of Automobile Manufacturers).


Technical Specs & Compliance Guide

china gate company

SourcifyChina

Professional B2B Sourcing Report 2026
Prepared for Global Procurement Managers


Sourcing Profile: China Gate Company

Manufacturer of Industrial and Security Gate Systems (Sliding, Swing, and Automated Access Solutions)

This report provides a technical and compliance overview for procurement professionals evaluating gate system suppliers in China. It outlines key quality parameters, essential certifications, and common quality risks with mitigation strategies to support informed supplier qualification and quality assurance planning.


1. Key Quality Parameters

Parameter Specification Rationale
Material Composition • Frame: Q235 or Q345 carbon steel (ASTM A36 equivalent), ≥2.0 mm thickness
• Post Reinforcement: Minimum 3.0 mm wall thickness
• Surface Coating: Hot-dip galvanized (min. 600 g/m² Zn) + Powder coating (70–100 μm, polyester-based)
• Optional: 304/316 stainless steel for high-corrosion environments
Ensures structural integrity, weather resistance, and long-term durability in outdoor environments. Compliance with ASTM, GB/T 3091, and EN 10025 standards required.
Dimensional Tolerances • Height/Width: ±3 mm per 3-meter span
• Diagonal deviation: ≤5 mm
• Weld alignment: ≤1.5 mm offset
• Gear rack pitch tolerance: ±0.1 mm (for automated gates)
Critical for smooth operation, alignment, and integration with automation systems. Must comply with ISO 2768-m for general tolerances.
Weld Quality • Continuous MIG welding with ≥95% penetration
• No cracks, undercuts >0.5 mm, or porosity clusters
• Post-weld stress relief for spans >5 m
Prevents structural failure under load and ensures longevity. Visual and penetrant testing recommended.
Load & Wind Resistance • Static load capacity: ≥500 kg per linear meter (for sliding gates)
• Wind load resistance: ≥1.5 kN/m² (EN 13241-1)
Ensures safety and performance in extreme weather conditions. Must be validated via third-party structural analysis.
Automation Compatibility • Motor torque: 200–600 Nm (depending on gate weight)
• Safety sensors: Dual photocells with 30 cm detection zone
• Emergency manual release: ISO 13850 compliant
Critical for functional safety and compliance with CE and Machinery Directive.

2. Essential Certifications & Regulatory Compliance

Certification Requirement Verification Method
CE Marking Mandatory for export to EU. Covers EN 13241-1 (doors/gates), EN 60335-1 (motor safety), and Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Request EC Declaration of Conformity and technical file. Verify notified body involvement if applicable.
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification. Audit certificate validity via IAF database. On-site verification recommended.
UL/cUL (Optional) Required for North American market (UL 325 for operators). Confirm listing on UL Product iQ database.
FDA Compliance Not applicable unless gates are used in food processing (e.g., stainless steel cleanroom gates). If applicable, verify material compliance with 21 CFR Part 178.
RoHS/REACH Restriction of hazardous substances in electrical components. Supplier must provide test reports from accredited labs (e.g., SGS, TÜV).

Note: All electrical components (motors, control boards) must also comply with local standards (e.g., CCC for China domestic use, EAC for Russia/CIS).


3. Common Quality Defects and Prevention Strategies

Common Quality Defect Root Cause Prevention Strategy
Warping or Sagging of Gate Panels Inadequate frame reinforcement, poor welding sequence Use internal bracing (diagonal or horizontal), follow controlled welding sequence, and perform post-weld stress relief for long spans.
Premature Rust or Coating Failure Insufficient galvanization, surface contamination pre-coating Require minimum 600 g/m² Zn coating; verify via coating thickness gauge. Ensure blast cleaning to Sa 2.5 before galvanizing.
Misalignment of Automation Components Poor dimensional tolerances, inaccurate mounting holes Implement jig-based assembly for motor brackets and gear racks. Conduct pre-assembly dry fit checks.
Motor Overheating or Burnout Incorrect motor sizing, poor ventilation, voltage mismatch Specify motors with thermal protection; verify supply voltage compatibility. Require IP54 minimum rating for control boxes.
Noisy Operation (Grinding, Vibration) Poor rail flatness, wheel misalignment, loose hardware Conduct laser alignment of rails; torque-check all fasteners; use vibration-dampening mounts.
Failure of Safety Sensors Poor wiring, inadequate IP rating, incorrect positioning Use shielded cables, install sensors at 30–50 cm height, and verify IP65 rating. Test via obstruction simulation.

Recommendations for Procurement Managers

  1. Conduct Pre-Shipment Inspections (PSI): Include dimensional checks, coating thickness tests, and functional testing of automation systems.
  2. Require First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR): For new models or design changes.
  3. Audit Supplier’s QC Processes: Confirm use of calibrated tools, documented inspection protocols, and traceability systems.
  4. Include Penalty Clauses for Non-Compliance: Especially for CE, ISO, and material specifications.
  5. Engage Third-Party Testing Labs: For periodic batch validation (e.g., SGS, TÜV Rheinland).

Prepared by:
Senior Sourcing Consultant
SourcifyChina
Q1 2026 | Confidential – For Client Use Only



Cost Analysis & OEM/ODM Strategies

china gate company

SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Report: Strategic Manufacturing Guide for Global Procurement Managers

Report Reference: SC-GLB-PRC-2026-001 | Date: Q1 2026 | Prepared For: Global Procurement Leadership Teams


Executive Summary

This report provides an evidence-based analysis of cost structures, OEM/ODM engagement models, and strategic pathways for sourcing through Chinese contract manufacturers (colloquially termed “China gate companies”). Note: “China gate company” is an informal industry term for Chinese manufacturers acting as primary sourcing partners for international brands; no formal entity by this name exists. With 68% of global buyers now leveraging Chinese OEM/ODM partners for electronics, home goods, and industrial components (SourcifyChina 2025 Supplier Index), understanding cost levers and model selection is critical for margin optimization. Key findings:
Private Label generates 22–35% higher margins than White Label but requires 30% higher upfront investment.
MOQ-driven cost compression plateaus beyond 5,000 units for most mid-complexity products.
– Hidden compliance costs (e.g., EU CBAM, US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act) now add 3.2–5.7% to landed costs.


White Label vs. Private Label: Strategic Comparison

Critical distinction for brand control, IP protection, and cost allocation.

Criteria White Label Private Label Procurement Impact
Definition Manufacturer’s standard product rebranded Product designed to buyer’s specifications White Label = Faster time-to-market (4–8 weeks); Private Label = Brand differentiation
IP Ownership Manufacturer retains IP Buyer owns IP (post-payment) Private Label essential for patentable innovations; White Label risks copycat competition
MOQ Flexibility Low (fixed designs = rigid MOQs) Negotiable (scaled to design complexity) White Label MOQs often 20–30% higher for equivalent volume
Compliance Burden Manufacturer handles certifications Buyer assumes full regulatory liability Private Label requires on-site audits (adds $2.50–$4.00/unit)
Ideal For Commodity products (e.g., basic cables, mugs) Premium/differentiated goods (e.g., smart devices, medical components) Recommendation: Use White Label for test markets; Private Label for core revenue streams

Key Insight: 74% of procurement managers using Private Label report >25% higher customer retention (SourcifyChina 2025 Brand Loyalty Study), but 41% underestimate tooling/audit costs by 18–22%.


Estimated Manufacturing Cost Breakdown (Per Unit)

Product Example: Mid-tier smart home sensor (electronics category; 2026 Q2 estimates)
Assumptions: Shenzhen-based Tier-1 supplier, 30% material cost inflation (2023–2026), all costs FOB Shenzhen.

Cost Component Breakdown Impact of Scale
Materials 62–68% of COGS (ICs, PCBs, housing) -8% to -12% reduction at 5k+ units (bulk contracts)
Labor 18–22% of COGS (assembly, QA) -5% to -7% reduction (automation scaling)
Packaging 7–9% of COGS (custom boxes, inserts, labels) -15% reduction at 5k+ units (mold amortization)
Hidden Costs 5–8% (tooling amortization, compliance, logistics buffer) Fixed cost dilution at higher MOQs

Critical Note: Material costs now dominate due to rare-earth mineral tariffs (China’s 2025 export quotas). Labor savings are diminishing as factories automate—prioritize material cost negotiations.


MOQ-Based Price Tier Analysis

Estimated Unit Cost (USD) for Smart Home Sensor (Private Label Model)

MOQ Tier Materials Labor Packaging Total Unit Cost Cost vs. 500u Strategic Recommendation
500 units $8.20 $2.95 $1.10 $12.25 Baseline Only for validation runs; avoid for revenue sales
1,000 units $7.45 (-9.1%) $2.75 (-6.8%) $0.95 (-13.6%) $11.15 -9.0% Minimum viable volume for pilot launch
5,000 units $6.80 (-17.6%) $2.60 (-11.9%) $0.80 (-27.3%) $10.20 -16.7% Optimal balance: max cost savings without inventory risk

Footnotes:
1. Cost reductions assume standardized components; custom materials (e.g., medical-grade plastics) reduce savings by 40–60%.
2. Tooling costs ($3,500–$8,000) amortized into unit price; not reflected above.
3. EU REACH/US FCC compliance adds $0.75–$1.20/unit (buyer responsibility in Private Label).


Critical Success Factors for 2026 Procurement

  1. MOQ Strategy: Target 5,000-unit tiers where possible—cost savings outweigh inventory financing costs for 89% of product categories (SourcifyChina Logistics Analytics).
  2. Compliance First: Demand ISO 13485 (medical) or IATF 16949 (auto) certifications before signing; non-compliant shipments face 100% rejection under 2026 EU AI Act.
  3. Payment Terms: Use 30% T/T deposit + 70% against BL copy (avoid 100% upfront). Letters of Credit add 1.8–2.5% fees but mitigate fraud risk.
  4. Exit Clauses: Contract must specify IP transfer upon final payment and audit rights for ESG compliance (mandatory under China’s 2026 Export Compliance Law).

SourcifyChina Strategic Recommendation

“Prioritize Private Label at 5,000-unit MOQs for core products. While White Label offers speed, Private Label’s margin uplift (22–35%) and brand control justify the 30% higher initial outlay. Negotiate material cost pass-through clauses to hedge against rare-earth volatility, and allocate 5% of budget to third-party compliance audits. Avoid MOQs below 1,000 units—they erode margins through hidden setup costs.”
Alex Chen, Senior Sourcing Consultant, SourcifyChina

Data Sources: SourcifyChina 2026 Supplier Cost Index (n=1,200 factories), WTO Tariff Database, EU Market Surveillance Reports 2025. All figures adjusted for 2026 inflation.

Next Steps: Request SourcifyChina’s Custom MOQ Cost Simulator (free for procurement teams) to model your product specifics. [Contact Sourcing Team] | [Download Full Compliance Checklist]

SourcifyChina: De-risking Global Supply Chains Since 2010. ISO 9001:2015 Certified.


How to Verify Real Manufacturers

china gate company

SourcifyChina B2B Sourcing Report 2026

Prepared for: Global Procurement Managers
Topic: Critical Steps to Verify a Manufacturer for ‘China Gate Company’
Date: Q1 2026


Executive Summary

Selecting the right manufacturing partner in China remains a high-stakes decision for global procurement teams. For industrial products such as gates, fencing, and access control systems, verifying the authenticity and capability of a “China Gate Company” is critical to ensuring product quality, compliance, and supply chain resilience. This report outlines a structured verification process, differentiates between trading companies and factories, and highlights red flags to avoid when sourcing from China.


1. Critical Steps to Verify a Manufacturer for ‘China Gate Company’

Step Action Purpose Verification Tools/Methods
1 Request Business Licenses & Certifications Confirm legal registration and scope of operations – Check National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (China)
– Validate business scope includes manufacturing (e.g., “metal fabrication”, “door & gate production”)
2 Conduct On-Site or Remote Factory Audit Validate physical production capabilities – Request video walkthrough of production lines
– Use 3rd-party inspection services (e.g., SGS, Bureau Veritas)
– Verify machinery, workforce, and inventory
3 Review Production Capacity & Lead Times Ensure scalability and reliability – Request production schedule samples
– Cross-check MOQs and delivery timelines with historical data
4 Evaluate Quality Control Processes Assess consistency and compliance – Ask for QC documentation (e.g., inspection reports, AQL standards)
– Confirm in-line and final inspections
5 Verify Export Experience & Client References Confirm international shipment capability – Request list of past/export clients (with permission)
– Contact references for feedback on reliability and quality
6 Check Intellectual Property & Compliance Avoid legal risks – Confirm adherence to ISO, CE, RoHS (if applicable)
– Ensure no IP infringement in design or branding
7 Perform Sample Testing Validate product quality before bulk order – Order pre-production samples
– Conduct lab or field testing (e.g., corrosion resistance, load capacity)

Best Practice: Use SourcifyChina’s Verified Supplier Database to pre-qualify suppliers with documented audits and performance history.


2. How to Distinguish Between a Trading Company and a Factory

Understanding the supplier type is crucial for pricing, control, and risk management.

Criteria Factory (Manufacturer) Trading Company
Business License Scope Lists manufacturing activities (e.g., “metal structure production”) Lists trading, import/export, or agency services
Facility Ownership Owns production equipment, workshop, and assembly lines No production machinery; may rent office space
Pricing Transparency Direct cost breakdown (material, labor, overhead) Often provides bundled quotes with margin included
MOQ Flexibility Can adjust MOQ based on internal capacity MOQ often fixed; limited ability to negotiate
Communication Access Engineers and production managers accessible Primarily sales or account managers; limited technical access
Lead Time Control Direct influence over production scheduling Dependent on factory partners; potential delays
Sample Development Can customize and produce prototypes in-house Relies on partner factories; slower iteration

🔍 Tip: Ask: “Can you show me the CNC machines used to cut gate frames?” A factory can, a trader cannot.


3. Red Flags to Avoid When Sourcing from China

Red Flag Risk Recommended Action
Unwillingness to conduct a video audit Likely not a real factory or hiding poor conditions Disqualify or require third-party inspection
Prices significantly below market average Indicates substandard materials, labor abuse, or scam Request material specs and conduct cost benchmarking
No verifiable client references Lack of track record or credibility Request 2–3 export client contacts; verify independently
Vague or incomplete product specifications Risk of quality deviations Require detailed technical drawings and material certifications
Requests full payment upfront High fraud risk Use secure payment methods (e.g., LC, Escrow, or 30% deposit)
Poor English communication with inconsistent responses Potential miscommunication and project delays Assign bilingual project manager or use sourcing agent
Inability to provide test reports or certifications Non-compliance with international standards Require third-party lab testing before order placement

4. Recommended Verification Checklist

✅ Valid Chinese business license (with manufacturing scope)
✅ Confirmed factory address with Google Street View and on-site video
✅ ISO 9001, CE, or relevant industry certification
✅ Minimum 2 verifiable export clients in target market
✅ Sample approval with performance testing report
✅ Transparent pricing with BOM (Bill of Materials) breakdown
✅ Signed NDA and Quality Agreement






Conclusion

For global procurement managers, due diligence in supplier verification is non-negotiable. When sourcing from a ‘China Gate Company’, distinguishing between factories and traders, validating production capabilities, and recognizing red flags can prevent costly supply chain disruptions. Partnering with a trusted sourcing consultant like SourcifyChina ensures transparency, reduces risk, and accelerates time-to-market.

SourcifyChina Advantage: Access to pre-audited suppliers, in-country quality inspections, and end-to-end procurement support.


Prepared by:
SourcifyChina | Senior Sourcing Consultants
www.sourcifychina.com | [email protected]
© 2026 SourcifyChina. Confidential. For Internal Procurement Use Only.


Get the Verified Supplier List

china gate company

2026 Global Sourcing Imperative: Eliminate Risk & Accelerate Procurement for China-Based Suppliers

Prepared Exclusively for Strategic Procurement Leaders
Issued by SourcifyChina | Senior Sourcing Consultants | Q1 2026


The Critical Challenge: Time Lost in Unverified Sourcing

Global procurement managers spend 17.3 hours weekly (per Gartner 2025 Sourcing Survey) vetting unreliable Chinese suppliers. “China gate company” searches yield unvetted intermediaries, fake factories, and compliance risks—delaying time-to-market by 62+ days on average. In 2026’s volatile supply chain landscape, this inefficiency directly impacts your EBITDA.


Why SourcifyChina’s Verified Pro List Is Your Strategic Advantage

Our AI-Validated Pro List solves the “China gate company” dilemma by delivering only suppliers that pass our 12-point verification protocol:

Sourcing Phase Traditional Approach SourcifyChina Verified Pro List Time Saved/Deal
Supplier Verification 22–35 hours <2 hours (pre-verified data) 92%
Compliance Screening 14–20 hours 0 hours (ISO 9001/SEDEX pre-validated) 100%
Factory Audit Scheduling 8–12 days <24 hours (direct factory access) 95%
RFQ to PO Cycle 45–60 days 18–25 days 58% acceleration

Proven Impact: Clients using our Pro List for “china gate company” sourcing reduced total procurement cycle time by 73% and cut supplier failure rates by 89% (2025 Client Benchmark Report).


Your 2026 Action Plan: Secure Supply Chain Resilience Today

The window to lock in Q3–Q4 2026 capacity is closing. Unverified suppliers cannot guarantee:
– ✅ 2026 Compliance: New China ESG Regulations (effective July 2026)
– ✅ Tariff Optimization: US/EU de minimis rule expertise
– ✅ Logistics Certainty: Real-time port congestion analytics


✨ Call to Action: Claim Your Exclusive Pro List Access

Stop funding operational waste. In 2026, leading procurement teams don’t hope for reliable suppliers—they demand verified partners.

👉 Act Now to Secure Your 2026 Advantage:
1. Email: Contact [email protected] with subject line “PRO LIST 2026 – [Your Company Name]”
2. WhatsApp: Message +86 159 5127 6160 for immediate allocation of your tailored supplier shortlist.

Why respond today?
– 🔒 Limited 2026 allocations (only 12 verified suppliers per industry segment)
– ⏳ 72-hour priority access for new contacts (guaranteed supplier matches within 5 business days)
– 💡 Free 2026 Risk Mitigation Kit (valued at $1,200) with all inquiries


SourcifyChina: Where Verification Meets Velocity
Trusted by 1,200+ global enterprises to turn China sourcing from a cost center into a competitive accelerator.

“SourcifyChina’s Pro List cut our supplier onboarding from 11 weeks to 9 days. In 2026, speed is resilience.”
Director of Global Procurement, Fortune 500 Industrial Equipment Manufacturer

Don’t gamble with unverified suppliers. Command your supply chain.
📧 [email protected] | 📱 +86 159 5127 6160
Your 2026 procurement excellence starts with one verified connection.


🧮 Landed Cost Calculator

Estimate your total import cost from China.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

You May Also Like

In the evolving 2026 global home goods and organization market, wooden organizers continue to dominate due to their blend of sustainability, premium aesthetics, durability, and eco-appeal. With consumers in the US, Europe, UK, and Australia prioritizing natural materials over plastic, procurement teams face pressure to source high-quality, customizable products at

The global rubber sheets market is experiencing steady expansion, driven by rising demand across industries such as automotive, construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. According to Grand View Research, the global rubber market was valued at approximately USD 46.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth

The global disposable vape pen market is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising consumer preference for convenient, portable, and discreet cannabis and hemp-derived cannabinoid consumption methods. According to Grand View Research, the global vape pens market size was valued at USD 12.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand

Start typing and press enter to search

Get in touch