In 1861, John Swire & Sons Limited began to trade with China through agents Augustine Heard & Co. In 1866, in partnership with R.S. Butterfield, Butterfield & Swire was established in Shanghai.
I 1861 begyndte John Swire & Sons Limited at handle med Kina gennem agententuret Augustine Heard & Co. I 1866 i partnerskab med R.S. Butterfield, Butterfield & Swire var etableret i Shanghai.