Over the past year or two floor-lamp manufacturers in Taiwan have been rushing to develop matching series of floor, desk and wall lamps, demand for which they say is increasing in major markets around the world.

Creating matching sets of lamps is made easier by the extensive product-development experience of floor-lamp makers in Taiwan. Domestic manufacturers also benefit from their relatively small size, which gives them the flexibility to adjust production quickly as the market evolves.

Some domestic manufacturers say they now offer lamp series for both functional and decorative applications. They note that demand for functional lamps is increasing, while demand for decorative models is holding steady, indicating that the market has much room for growth.

Innovation and Value

Allites Industries Co., Ltd., founded a decade ago in Taiwan, specializes in the manufacture of contemporary-style floor lamps with electroplated finishes. The company has built its competitive position on its ability to supply innovative products at attractive prices.


In order to make its products more price-competitive, Allites moved its production to Shenzhen, mainland China (outside Hong Kong) some five years ago, though it continues to take orders at its headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan. All of the company's products are made in and shipped from the mainland. The company has an office in Hong Kong to handle liaison between the mainland plant and Taiwan headquarters.

According to export manager Elena Chan, Allites sells most of its products to Europe. "Over the past few years we have received many big-ticket orders from European customers who are looking for series that include floor, desk, wall and ceiling lamps. To meet the requirement of these customers, we are working hard to develop individual models based on the same design."

Chan says that her company supplies electroplated floor-lighting fixtures equipped with halogen lamps, and can make enamel-baked products as well.

Allites has a team of some 20 designers and technicians to develop new products. "Our designers have over a decade of experience in developing contemporary lamps and they have their finger on the pulse of the market," says Chan.

With the help of this experienced team, Allites can develop at least five new items per month. Over 20 new items are currently under development, says Chan. Half of these items are functional items and the others stress decorative uses, she says. "Our experience tells us that functional lamps are more in demand than decorative ones in the European market."

Thanks to its long-term R&D efforts, Allites has posted average annual sales growth of 10% to 15% in recent years.

Quality and Selection

Another domestic manufacturer with expertise in developing series lamps is Jaya Enterprise Co., Ltd. A specialist manufacturer of chandeliers, floor lamps, wall lamps, and table lamps, Jaya claims that it can develop over five new lamp series each quarter.

Jaya moved its production to Zhongshan, mainland China, several years ago to lower production costs. The mainland facility currently has approximately 100 employees and is equipped to handle critical pipe-bending and parts-stamping procedures in-house, while other production procedures, such as surface treatment, are contracted to nearby satellite plants.

Jaya also produces the various iron, copper, and aluminum components used in its products, and buys glass, plastic and nonwoven-fabric parts and accessories from contracted suppliers. This high level of self-production enables the company to ensure top-quality results.

Jaya president James Yang says his company concentrates on indoor lamps for household use. "Although it takes a lot of money and time to develop new lamps, we can offer our products at favorable prices because we have streamlined our production lines to keep costs down."

In addition to its claimed quality and cost advantages, Jaya has built a reputation for wide selection, on-time delivery, and strong sales support, says Yang.

Jaya currently exports all of its products, mainly to Britain, the United States, Australia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Over the past year, the company has been seeking to penetrate emerging markets such as Eastern Europe.

At the end of last year, the company unveiled a new series of pendant lights, wall lamps, and floor lamps made of extruded aluminum. The new lamps feature modern styling to attract younger buyers, Yang says.

Multifunctional Lights

Established in 1984, Glowworm Lighting Co. is a manufacturer of table, floor, and wall lamps as well as brassware items such as candleholders, bells, key hooks, and photo frames. Floor lamps currently account for over half of the company's total output.

Earlier this year, Glowworm introduced several new floor lamps that double as compact disk (CD) racks. One such model features a T1 tube connected to the main pole of the CD rack to create a multifunctional height-adjustable floor lamp.

Glowworm says it has obtained many patents for its unique product designs in the U.S., Germany, and United Kingdom. All the company's products have passed UL, CE, and GS safety standards. The company currently exports all of its production, mainly to the U.S., Japan, and Europe.

To lower production costs, Glowworm set up Gaofu Lamp Craft Co., Ltd. In Fujian Province, mainland China eight years ago. Since that time, the company has been gradually phasing out production in Taiwan.

According to company spokesman Robert Kao, the mainland plant has enabled Glowworm to supply a wider range of high-quality products at reasonable prices. These products are available with several different types of finishes, such as electroplating and enameling.

Glowworm's latest hot-selling item is a floor lamp equipped with a magnifying accessory that amplifies the illumination effect, making the item especially suitable for corner installation.

Glowworm also makes faux-antique halogen lamps. Models are available in several different types of finish, including satin nickel, polished chrome, polished brass, verdigris, satin brass, and old bronze.

A Touch of Class

Pu Lai Te Enterprise Co., Ltd. Is another Taiwanese manufacturer specializing in series lamps. A 15-year veteran of the lighting industry, the company set up Lon Lighting Co. in Dongguan, Guangdong province of mainland China five years ago. It now manufactures all of its products in the mainland, though order-taking and financial affairs are still managed in Taiwan.

Since opening its mainland plant, Pu Lai Te has focused on making electroplated metal floor lamps. One and a half years ago, the company began introducing products with polyresin in enamel-baked finishing.

Company president Bill Liu says that his company will continue to develop products incorporating new materials to meet the changing demands in the global lighting market.

Liu says his company has a strong interest in developing innovative lamps in cooperation with its customers. For instance, the company has cooperated with several restaurant owners to develop a series of luxury floor lamps suitable for creating a warm and relaxing ambience.

Pu Lai Te currently exports most of its products to the U.S. and Europe. Liu says that his company is well experienced in developing products that meet the unique needs of these two major markets.