Design ideas from east Asia

Whirlpower Enterprise, which was founded by James Liu 23 years ago, manufactures and sells a broad spectrum of screwdrivers that is complemented by a comprehensive programme of hand tools bought in to widen the product portfolio. These include pliers, bits and wrenches. As James Liu asserts, the quality of the products is assured because the company has set up its own internal system of quality control. Mr Liu is convinced that suppliers need something special to make them stand out in a competitive market where screwdrivers have become little more than everyday commodity items. Which is why the company invested in research and development in the past to further its aim of playing in the super league. The results of this can be seen in their series of antistatic and insulated tools, as well as the Micro Tip precision series of screwdrivers and pliers featuring attractive two-component handles. What is more, the Camel series of screwdrivers features steel-tipped handles so that a hammer can also be used in case greater force is needed, but without damaging the tool. The company is not only able to supply products and packaging solutions: recently it has also offered a further range of services for firms wanting to expand in Asia. These include feasibility studies for product innovations, cost analysis, shipping and general trade logistics. The workforce currently numbers 35 in Taichung, Taiwan, and in Shanghai, China. Annual turnover in 2005 amounted to approx. US $ 5 mio, with 95 per cent of the total generated abroad. Products are supplied to North America, Argentina, Australia, Indonesia, India, Russia, Israel, Poland, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany and Egypt. At present the company’s own Whirlpower brand is chiefly sold in the professional field or through specialised traders. However, the company also specialises in the manufacture of private label products. It can package the articles individually according to customer requirements and provide them with labelling in any given language. It also offers displays and POS material. Deliveries are effected within a maximum of 30 days in a process managed entirely from Taiwan.
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