Taiwan's Woodworking Machinery Makers Seek to Move Into New Industrial Park

Taipei, Feb. 18, 2008 (CENS)--Taiwanese manufacturers of woodworking machines are seeking to collectively move into a newly developed industrial park to shake off the tarnished image of the Taiwan industry inflicted by their long operations on farm lands instead of industrial-purpose sites.

Around 90% of Taiwanese woodworking-machinery manufacturers are operating on illegal land lots throughout the island, eroding the international image of Taiwan woodworking-equipment industry.

Taiwan Woodworking Machinery Association, which represents around 300 manufacturers of the local industry, decided to coordinate 40 member manufacturers to move into the industrial park, which stands on 120 hectares of land in central Taiwan.

Chairman of the association, Bill Hung, noted that many local equipment manufacturers often feel hesitant about expanding production at home given their operations on illegal land areas although they really want to root in Taiwan. The predicament, he said, can be settled as long as a legal mass is offered to them.

The association estimated the total investment by the 40 equipment manufacturers in the newly developed park is around NT$15 billion (US$468 million at US$1:NT$32) and the investment will likely add NT$30 billion (US$937 million) to the Taiwan industry's annual export value.

Hung stressed developing an industrial cluster at the park will help Taiwanese woodworking-equipment manufacturers sharpen their competitive edge. Besides, a dedicated industrial park offers international buyers a convenient shopping environment.

The association estimates land price to be confined within NT$30,000 (US$937.5) per ping (36 square feet) in the park, much lower than land prices in other industrial parks on the island.