Hong Kong Hardware Fair One of the Most Significant in Asia

Nearly 140 exhibitors from 10 countries displayed their latest products at the Hong Kong International Hardware and Home Improvement Fair 2007, held from October 28 through 31.

The focal point at the 2007 event was the new DIY Zone, packed with a wide range of products such as handles, power tools, hand tools, locks and other do-it-yourself products. Other highlight sections at this show were the Decor Zone, Outdoor & Gardening World, and Sanitary World.

Now in its 20th year, the fair has established itself as one of the most significant hardware industry events in Asia, according to organizer the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The island city's exports of hardware for the first eight months of 2007 increased almost 8% from the same period a year earlier, to US$8.4 billion.

The council, which was established in 1966 to promote Hong Kong's overseas trade, said it is confident of the city's hardware exports over the next few years in light of a global trend towards better home living environments.

The Hong Kong fair offers exhibitors a superb platform for tapping world market. The 2007 event again proved its attraction to the global hardware industry.

Lawn Tools

One exhibitor at the show was AiFa Hangzhou Lawn and Garden Acc. Co., Ltd., which has been in the lawn and garden accessories business for 20 years. "With so much experience you can count on us to get it right," said company president Hongbin Liu. "We produce 10 million units every year, and can meet requests from as low as 500 units up to big volume orders." The company cranks out its products at a 35,000-square-meter factory with the support of an 18-member R&D team. "Our operations are certified under the ISO9001:2000, ISO14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001 standards," said Liu.

At the 2007 fair, the company displayed a wide range of lawn and garden accessories including garden shears, hose-fitting systems, sprayers, hose reels, sprinklers, spreaders, brass nozzles and fittings, water timers, garden showers, water wands and hoses. "We have attended this fair for many years. This is a good chance to meet existing and new clients and to promote our AiFa brand. This fair enables us to meet face-to-face with overseas buyers," Liu said.

High-end Sanitary Ware

Sanitary ware specialist Able Alliance (HK) Ltd. exports high-end products to the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asian nations. "Our product range is very wide, including everything from bathroom accessories to saunas and outdoor spas," said Amy Cheng, the company's marketing director. "This is our first time at the fair. We hope to make a splash with our bigger items, so we are focusing on outdoor spas, which our visitors seem interested in. We also have a simple steam room on display that is suitable for household uses," Cheng said.

Trend Sanitary (HK) International Group Ltd. displayed a range of sanitary ware items including wash basins, pedestal basins, sinks, bidets and toilet seats. "Every year we take the opportunity to show our latest models," says company sales manager William Ng. "Our latest collection reflects the current trend towards smaller wash basins," he noted.

The Hong Kong-based company was established in 1999 and now operates highly integrated manufacturing facilities on an 80,000-square-meter site in mainland China. The facilities are ISO9001:2000 certified and have a staff of more than 800 employees, including 30 technicians. "We have customers all around the world including North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand," said Ng. "This fair is very convenient for us and gives us the opportunity to expand our customer base."

Something Cooking

China Link Overseas has been in the barbecue-tool business since 1991, even though it was restructured in 2003 under current name. "With one manufacturing plant each in Taiwan and Guangdong of mainland China, we offer medium- and top-quality barbecues, both gas and charcoal," said company president Philippe Nivard.

"We are presenting a few innovations in terms of barbecue design. The company's markets are predominantly in Europe, but we sell to all five continents," he added. "So far we have marketed our products exclusively through our own marketing division, but now we are open to a few collaborations with trading companies. We see this fair as a showcase to meet some of our existing customers as well as meeting new customers."

First-time exhibitor Elmer's Products Inc. of the United States has been producing consumer adhesives for 60 years. Among its products is the number-one instant adhesive in the U.S., "Krazy Glue." "Rather than the usual method of marketing this type of product to contractor-base consumers, Elmer's has always focused on its DIY customers," said Stephen Tsui, the company's business manager for the Asia Pacific region.

"We have a new 2007 hardware lineup of products that offers an easier approach to solve most consumers' DIY problems. This year we are highlighting our new packaging that communicates in simple English to users, along with our repair kits that are designed for the family, as well as promoting our brand name," Tsui added.

Tsui pointed out that with the expansion of the home improvement sector in this region, the culture of handy-man DIY is becoming increasingly popular among Asians. "New distribution channels are not readily available for us to tap into, so this Hong Kong fair with its new DIY Zone offers us many opportunities and we are targeting quality retailers from East Asia," he noted.

Meet (China) Ltd. is one of the world's leading manufacturers of multifunctional testers including detectors, sensors, and auto laser levels. "All are designed and made according to international safety standards, and we accept OEM and ODM projects," said Debbie Cho, the company's marketing manager.

Meet's customer base is worldwide including Europe, the United States, Russia, Southeast Asia, Australia and the Middle East. The Hong Kong company manufactures its products at its factory in mainland China.

"Among the new products we are showing this year are a telescopic AC voltage detector, a digital level meter and a precision digital metal detector," Cho said.

Green Flooring

Year Full Group Holdings Ltd. specializes in high-quality, renewable Verdee Bamboo flooring. "We are continuing to preach the message of eco-awareness to the public," said Billie Wong, the company's business manager.

"Verdee Bamboo flooring is completely different from traditional bamboo flooring. We use only mao bamboo because its diameter, color, structure, density and strength are most suitable for flooring," Wong said. She noted that mao is a quick-growing grass species that takes only three to five years to mature. "It is also up to three times harder and denser than traditional hardwood floorings; and it doesn't crack when it absorbs water," Wong said.

Chevalier (Building Supplies & Engineering) Ltd. made its debut at the Hong Kong fair in 2006. The company focuses on design and production of furniture components particularly kitchen and bathroom cupboard doors and counter tops.

"Trends change from year to year and our display reflects this," said Patrick Lai, Chevalier's sales manager. "This year we are seeing growing demand for veneer doors. However, lacquer doors have remained popular in recent years, so we feature this product in a wide choice of colors with high-gloss finishes."

The company's main customer base is in Europe, notably the United Kingdom and Italy. Australia, Taiwan and Singapore are other major export destinations of the company.

"We are pleased to find the quality customers of our target market at this show. We participate in the show to find new customers and maintain our position in the market," Lai said.

Josef Krenn GmbH has been in metal-bending machine business for 30 years. "We are exhibiting the patented Eisenkraft -branded metal-bending machines, which are designed for the professional production of any kind of wrought iron product," said Felix Steiner, the company's manager for Asia operation. "Our machines are suitable for scroll forming, angle bending, twisting, basket making, rolling, cutting, punching, riveting, embossing and end-forging."

Steiner noted that his company demonstrated machines during the show to show prospective customers their full functionality. "These machines can only be ordered at trade exhibitions," he noted.

Hearth and Home

Dong Run Industries (HK) Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer of steel products with more 10 years of experience. "We have advanced equipment for making steel fireplaces, including a full range of fireplaces burning wood and briquette, fireplace inserts, and outdoor fireplaces," noted Louise Chen, the company's sales representative.

According to Chen, the company operates a factory on a 15,000-square-meter site. The plant is equipped with a numerically-controlled plasma cutting machine and a computerized linear-cutting machine. "We manufacture products according to customers' specific requirements. All of our fireplaces conform to EN 13240 and DIN EN 13240 standards," Chen said.

Chen said her company always keeps a keen eye on fireplace development worldwide. "That way, we are able to develop great new models that fit in with current market trends," she said.

Sincere International Co., Ltd. displayed barbecue grill and a towel warmer along with garden furniture with teak seats, backs and arms at the 2007 show. "The grill comes with an AC power cord and in different designs, including table-top versions and those with their own stands. The aluminum towel warmer has a heating element incorporated into the design and comes with an AC power cord," explained Winnie Lau, the company's sales manager.

Sincere is a Hong Kong-based manufacturer and exporter with production facilities in mainland China, where it has been producing a range of appliances for homes for more than a decade. Recently, it has added outdoor garden products to product list.

Lau noted that her company's outdoor products are mainly aimed at the European and North American markets where many houses incorporate gardens.

Chematco Ltd. showcased its Hi-Poly seamless epoxy flooring for parking lots, warehouses, offices, commercial shops, factories and other applications. According to the company's managing director, Alvin Cheng, the company's flooring is also used at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center.

The Hong Kong manufacturer, according to Cheng, has more than 15 years of experience in the flooring business. "Besides the seamless appearance of the flooring, the product incorporates a number of other features. For instance, it is chemically resistant, solvent free and has excellent physical performance," he said.

The company also exhibited a relatively new product code-named Ruberstein Wall-Panels, which look like wall tiles yet are much thinner-less than 3mm thick. "They are much easier to apply than traditional wall tiles and installation costs are much lower. Plus, they are weather-proofed for outdoor use," Cheng said.

Cheng said Chematco was exhibiting at the show to expand its customer base in Southeast Asia and develop new markets, such as the Middle East.

Alarm Systems

Sun Fu Cheong Electronics Co., Ltd. exhibited a comprehensive range of personal alarm devices and home alarm systems as well as metal, voltage and distance detectors at the Hong Kong show. The company's sales manager, Tony Cheng, pointed out that his company had seen steady business growth in major markets including Europe, Japan and the United States.

"Our strength lies in our integrated business model that encompasses product design and development, manufacturing and sales. We come up with new designs regularly and place strong emphasis on quality," Cheng noted. He added his business' focus is providing devices with simple and user-friendly functions.

The company operates a 40,000-sq-meter factory employing about 500 workers in Dongguan, mainland China.

Infosmart Group Ltd. produces parts and components for electrical and electronic household appliances, including TV monitors, motor boxes and gearboxes. "We produce on an OEM basis for our clients, who are mainly manufacturers of electronic and electrical appliances and importers of household products," said Michael Suen, the company's sales manager.

The company was founded four years ago and has a factory on a 3,000-square-meter site in mainland China with 100 employees specializing in die-casting work.

The company's customers are mostly in Europe and the United States, according to Suen.

Maydec Wood Product Co. displayed solid wood flooring at this show. The company's sales manager, Liz Lee Chia Chen stressed that, "The beauty of wood is winning over consumers, especially with the younger generation." "Hardwood flooring and decking are in rising demand for both indoor and outdoor applications. Even for building lobbies, solid wood can be a good substitute for marble," Lee said.

Founded in 2000, the company has complete production facilities in Indonesia and mainland China, turning out products catering to consumers in the mainland, Europe, Australia and Hong Kong.

Lee noted that her company was introducing flooring with special design patterns to meet customers' demands.

Handle on the Market

Eternal Dragon International Ltd. specializes in design and manufacturing of zinc-alloy handles and knobs for furniture and decorative and bathroom accessories. The company's sales manager, Vicky Wong, said the company has strong capabilities in product design and development. "Besides our OEM operation, we have designers who are working on new ideas all the time while our unique dipping technique allows us to give our products an antique-like finish and special colors," Wong said.

Established in 1999, the company now operates two factories in Huiyang and Shenzhen in Guangdong Province, China, employing more than 300 workers.

Ada Display Shelving System Ltd. was founded in 1985 to specialize in shop fittings and warehouse equipment. Now, the company concentrates solely on racking systems, according to the company's sales executive, Morato Hui. He stressed the company's products are easy to install and dismantle, allowing customers to change configurations as needed.

The company has a factory in China and offices and warehouses in Hong Kong. Its products cater to consumers in Hong Kong, North and South Americas, Australia, Europe and Africa. They are available at department stores, supermarkets, grocery stores and convenience stores.

Hong Kong MCPO Co. showcased a collection of new intelligent lock systems, including office business keypad and fingerprint locks. Company director Sunny Mak said his company received a lot of inquiries from new buyers in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Iran and Israel. "This show has really helped in expanding our customer base," he said.

The 12-year-old company produces a variety of self-developed lock systems, door bells and alarm systems under the McPO brand. It now employs about 130 workers at its 60,000-square-meter factory in Guangzhou.

Mak stressed that his company's products have good quality and design and are competitively priced. His company is eager to further expand market share in Europe.