2009 Hardware and Lifestyle Shows Set For Wider Scope in Taipei

The 2009 Taiwan Hardware Show (THS), billed as the only world-caliber trade show for hardware, tools and home improvement products and services on the island, is scheduled for October 22 through 25, 2009 in Hall 1 at the Taipei World Trade Center. Besides being the 9th staging of the hardware show, the 2009 THS will be held alongside the 2nd Home & Lifestyle Fair (HLS).

Having built considerable reputation as one of the most important and professional trade fairs of its kind in Asia in recent years, THS sets up a wide-ranging, practical platform for global buyers looking for quality products made by Taiwan-based suppliers. This year's four-day show will again allow some of the top manufacturers in Taiwan to display their newest, innovative products.

Multi-party Backing

The increasingly strong global status built by the THS, organized by Kaigo Co., Ltd., is attributable to its multi-party support, including the Taiwan Hand Tool Manufacturers' Association, the National Joint Association of Hardware R.O.C., the Metal Industrial Research & Development Center, the Taiwan Ceramic Industries Association, the Taiwan Regional Metal Smelters Association, the Taiwan Woodworking Machinery Association and the Taipei Kitchen Trade Association, all of which have in more ways than one contributed to the show's caliber in terms of technologies, product range etc.

The 2008 or the 8th THS, held in tandem with the first HLF, was a three-day event that attracted 246 exhibitors, a significant 35% increase relative to that in 2007, and 13,778 global buyers from 50 countries, which was a positive sign considering that 2008 was a year mired mostly by financial fallout that battered virtually all sectors of the economy, causing tightened credit and diminished demand all over.

Big-name Presence

Big-name presence is always important for the credibility of a trade show. And the success of the 2008 THS was realized by the attendance of a host of leading suppliers, including MAKITA, Rexon, Lee Yeong, Yih Cheng, My Hand, King Tony, G-Alantic, Hans Tools, Double Dynasty, Honiton, J & K, Lucky-Brand, Jaco, Infar, Kuang Yuang, A-Kraft, Dess, Re-Dai, Stand Tools, Force Shyang Yuan, and Mobiletron Electronics.

The 2009 THS will broaden its scope to make sourcing easier for more foreign buyers, who can expect to see four major categories of tools, building materials, automotive supplies and DIY/houseware products. As in the past, global buyers will be in Taipei looking for a variety of tools made by Taiwan manufacturers, who are known for R&D, quality improvement, reliability, and flexibility, all key advantages in this fiercely competitive market.