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Positive outlook for office furniture

According to a BIFMA report, the last quarter of 2010 reflected much optimism in the US office furniture sector. Office furniture orders and shipments were even higher than previously forecasted. The drop in shipments for the first half of 2010 was offset by the good growth enjoyed during the second half of the year. Overall, it resulted in a 4.4% growth for the whole of 2010. For 2011 the projection remains positive with shipments estimated to grow at 8.3% and orders at 5.6%.

Well, that’s a nice piece of news for the trade and hopefully a reflection of the global office furniture market in general. I do not have projections for the Asian office furniture business. However through the annual Furniture Leadership Awards program our magazines organize on an annual basis, as program director and a member of the judge panel, I had the privilege to study and speak with many of the region’s top office furniture companies last year. For 2010, business remained significantly depressed across the board for most of our participants compared to their pre-crisis glory days. However, majority experienced good growth within the period between 2008 and 2010. We noticed many were able to stay profitable throughout the difficult times.

I salute these companies who have not only survived the crisis but emerged stronger. The judging panel witnessed first-hand passionate entrepreneurs sharing their visions, strategies and plans. Their successes are built on a strong foundation based on solid management systems and processes. Regardless of how the global economies for the year eventually turn out, I am certain these resilient office furniture companies will continue to do well.

The month of March spells tremendous opportunities for many companies brought on by the circuit of Asian furniture fairs. The list of shows includes MIFF and EFE in Malaysia, IFFS Singapore, VIFA Vietnam, IFFINA Indonesia, TIFF Thailand, 3F Dongguan, CIFF /ITG Guangzhou and SIFE Shenzhen. Our magazine will exhibit at 8 of these shows.

If you are in Asia in March, do come by our booths for a coffee and chit chat, as many times as you like. To those who are celebrating the Lunar New Year of the Rabbit, let me wish you, on behalf of my team and I, good health and prosperity.

Dr Casey Loo
Publisher & Editor-in-chief