Tech Textile Makers in Taiwan Score NT$100 B. in Production Value

Taipei, May 2, 2008 (CENS)-Having been in existence only four years, Taiwan Technical Textiles Association (TTTA) has so far helped local textile manufacturers to generate production value of nearly NT$100 billion (US$3.125 billion at US$1 = NT$32).

TTTA has been a common platform for its members to acquire upgraded textile manufacturing technologies to apply to fabricate high-end textiles, which can then be globally marketed. Such effort has helped to turn many TTTA members from local concerns into world-class firms.

Champak Enterprise Co. and Kang Na Hsing Enterprise Co. are two typical examples: The former used be a cottage industry turning out low-end general use masks, but now works with a leading international medical equipment manufacturer to produce sophisticated surgical masks and advanced cone-type masks; and the latter produced diapers and sanitary napkins but now applies green technologies, which has helped its bottom-line.

Tai Jung-chi, chairman of TTTA, urged its members to work with global counterparts-forming cross-border alliances-to jointly explore global markets. Tai aims to assist its members to create another NT$100 billion (US$3.125 billion) in combined production value by 2015.

The textile sector can generally be divided into apparel textiles, home & furniture textiles, and technical & engineered textiles. Recent years have seen the production value of apparel textiles clearly decline while the other two grow rapidly. TTTA plays a key role to help integrate the entire textile supply chain to help makers streamline processes and lower manufacturing cost.

TTTA has also built a common platform for domestic textile manufacturers to exchange industrial information, access advanced know-how, and stay updated to world trends. Insiders believe TTTA's efforts would help the Taiwan textile industry to regain its strength globally.