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Zhu Changling: Professionalism Is The Future

By Yin Lirong

Chinese Office Furniture: Professssionalism Is The Future

Despite the global economic crisis, China’s office furniture industry is little affected, said Zhu Changling, Vice President of China National Furniture Association. Particularly in terms of production volume, little has changed.

For the year 2008, the sector’s production value stood at RMB 60 billion, of which US$2.01 billion in furniture was exported. In terms of product types, most of them were made of wood or metal, office swivel chairs sold well too.

Zhu said since the government began regulating bids for procurement projects, industry players have become more competitive on open, fair and just terms. Currently, the demand for office furniture is increasing as product quality improves.

The leader added that since the crisis, he has paid visits to more than 10 office furniture manufacturers. The consensus is that few were hit and the effects are not serious. The government, on the other hand, has pumped in RMB 4 trillion to improve working conditions, as well as into hotels, renovation and education infrastructure. Many of these manufacturers have plans to upgrade themselves during these quieter times. Nonetheless he said that there will be some poorly managed companies who will be weeded out.

Looking ahead, Zhu observed three challenges that will prevail in 2009. Firstly, the economic downturn has had a deep impact on the real estate sector. Secondly, exports are expected to decrease. With more time on hand, manufacturers should realign their resources, reinvent themselves and innovate. Lastly, a large number of new products, techniques and technologies are being showcased. The demand for office furniture will increase and grow more stringent. “Hopefully manufacturers can meet this demand,” Zhu said.

As for trends, Zhu again offers three pieces of advice. He said that office furniture should be ergonomic and comfortable. “Working time and time spent in front of the computer will be longer so furniture should be designed to reduce stress on the spine and eyes. Secondly, furniture should be more eco-friendly, not just in the product but in the entire design philosophy and approach. Lastly, new materials, techniques and technologies should be rolled out constantly to keep up with market demands and changes. Furniture should also be intelligent and IT compatible today.”

Zhu believes that the growth of office furniture will be rapid. “Besides the US, many European agents are also coming to source from China. Office furniture accounts for 10 percent of China’s total furniture exports. But I expect this to rise in a few years, and faster.”

This article was first published in the March 28, 2009 edition of Express, the Show Daily for China International Furniture Fair (CIFF, Phase II). Photos courtesy of CIFF.