furniPRO Asia 2012 opened today, providing ASEAN’s furniture exporters with a much awaited technology platform to exchange knowledge, buy, sell and network. Organized by Koelnmesse and endorsed by the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC), the Trade Fair boasts exhibits from close to 100 leading organisations in furniture production and woodworking, from Austria, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey and USA. These included pavilions from Germany, Italy, Singapore, Taiwan and USA, showcasing the latest innovations, products and techniques from their region.
“furniPRO Asia offers a unique marketplace in ASEAN for companies looking to launch their new technology and latest products to the buyers in the region. This first edition is already shaping up to a good start, with a varied selection of well-known global brands, household local brands and new innovations at the trade fair. We’ve also been able to garner the support of the key associations and buyers from the region. It will be an exciting three days of business discussions and networking.”
Launchpad for new technology in ASEAN
For many exhibitors, this is the first time they are showcasing their machines and technology in ASEAN, offering onsite demos and a first-hand experience that visitors will not be able to get at other trade fairs in ASEAN.
IMA is showcasing their BIMA Cut machine for the first time at a trade fair in ASEAN. A combination of machining center and panel saw - for order-batch production of fronts and components to increase productivity for processing of furniture and construction elements, the BIMA Cut offers flexible production with multiple processes combined in one machine with one operator and the new benefit of being able to process on all 6 sides with automatic barcode labeling.
Wemhoener will launch the ASEAN debut of their latest technology – a 3D Eagle Press with automatic PIN System, at furniPRO Asia 2012. The patented PIN System thoroughly replaces the traditional base plates and non-slip mat, hence improving product quality and production efficiency greatly. “We support having a big woodworking and furniture production event for the South East Asian market; we think this is what the region needs. We are pleased to be exhibiting our latest machineries and technologies at the first furniPRO Asia 2012 in Singapore,” said Mr Wemhoener.
Siempelkamp, will also introduce their latest technology, the Eco Resinator at furniPRO Asia 2012. With the new Ecoresinator powered by Schlick, Siempelkamp introduces a new MDF blending process which will significantly relieve the budget of plant operators. Due to special nozzle technology made by Schlick and the use of superheated steam, customers save up to 15% in resin compared to the traditional blending process in a blowline.
Schelling showcases their cut-to-size saw fh 4 and the connected panel storage system and the cut-to-size saw “fh 6 auto” with an automatic loading system. This is the first time that their panel storage system is being introduced to the South East Asian market. It enables smooth and gentle storage of the panels and an increased productivity of the saw through a fast just-in-time delivery of the panels to the saw.
Biesse is introducing their new CNC point-to-point machine, Skipper V31, an entry level machine, suitable for small companies in need of an economical solution to upgrade their drilling facilities or even medium enterprises who want to optimize their performance on customized products.
Visitors to the trade fair can also look out for a showcase of the latest innovations in materials, design and technologies by interzum cologne’s leading players in the furniture accessories and components segments, such as EGGER, Formenti E Giovenzana S.p.A., Häfele, King Slide, Latexco, Lehmann, L&S, REHAU and Surteco.
Expanding business connections and networks in the region
To facilitate more discussions and to create more opportunities for buyers and sellers to meet, furniPRO Asia worked with various regional associations and industry groups to invite the key regional buyers to the trade fair through its hosted buyers program. 100 key buyers from China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Myanmar, India, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam are expected over the three days, where pre-arranged meetings have been scheduled with the exhibitors at the fair. These include buyer organisations such as Shanta Wood & Chea-Ee Indusries Sdn Bhd from Malaysia, CV Ambarhati Furnitire & CV Sarana Jati Perkasa from Indonesia.
Forums spotlight growing green issues and emerging markets in ASEAN
Koelnmesse and the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) have also collaborated to host 2 forums, the “Green Forum” and “Investment in Myanmar” at furniPRO Asia 2012, Max Atria, Peridot Room 201, on 18 October. The 2 forums seek to address key issues for today’s furniture production industry in ASEAN, namely; the effects of the European Union Timber Regulations (EUTR) come March 2013 and what it means for furniture exporters to Europe; and Myanmar’s significantly untapped potential with its rich forestry resources and manpower and what it means for foreign businesses and investors looking to enter its market.
“furniPRO Asia seeks to be at the forefront of industry developments, by providing a platform where key issues impacting the future of the ASEAN furniture production and woodworking industry can be discussed. These 2 forums are a good start, which we hope to continue and expand on in future editions.“ said Mr Michael Dreyer, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Koelnmesse.
furniPRO Asia continues from 17 – 19 October 2012, at the Singapore Expo, Hall 2. More information can be found on the furniPRO Asia website at www.furniproasia.com.