World of hardware in Taiwan

The 4th Taipei International Hardware & DIY Show (THDIY) provided a platform for hardware, tools and DIY products in the recently refurbished Taipei World Trade Center from 23 to 25 October. Represented there were 160 exhibitors – 56 per cent more than 2003 – as well as 8 168 trade visitors, 1 008 of whom came from 54 countries. The 2003 event attracted  9 315 visitors, but the twelve per cent shortfall resulted from the fact that the fair lasted only two days: the final day fell victim to a typhoon, which forced the organisers, Koelnmesse and Kaigo, to close the event earlier than scheduled. However, despite this unavoidable curtailment, the organisers reported a strong showing by visitors from the USA, Japan, Germany, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia, Iran and Finland.
Around 70 per cent of the visitors were representatives from the distributive trade. Most in demand were tools (hand, power and air), door and window locks and fittings, everyday hardware products, tool boxes, cabinets and trolleys, and fasteners as well.
The Taiwan hardware industry is oriented towards exports. As Charlie Hsieh, chairman of the Taiwan Tool Manufacturers’ Association, explained at a reception held during the show, 95 per cent of production is shipped abroad. The trade discovered Taiwan as a market for sourcing hardware during the late seventies.
The organisers of the THDIY claim that they offer a “platform for premium quality and innovative hardware”, where around 67 per cent of exhibitors have ISO certification. This year digital tools were launched on the market for the first time.
Among the winners of the Taiwan Excellence Award and the Industrial Sustainable Excellence Award, which are presented for innovative and trend-setting products, are Gison Machinery, K&W Tools and Rexon Power Tools.
Around 8 200 visitors registered during the two days of the THIY show.
The next THDIY will again be held at the Taipei World Trade Center, and the dates are 27 to 29 October 2005.