Article Number : 994 |
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| Date | 4/16/2006 12:37:01 PM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=994 |
| Abstract | By Matthew Spieler Shanghai, China—For centuries, Chinese culture has held eight as the most fortuitous of numbers... |
| Article | By Matthew Spieler Shanghai, China—For centuries, Chinese culture has held eight as the most fortuitous of numbers. And that was certainly the case for just about everyone who participated in the 8th Annual Domotex asia/ Chinafloor (DACF) market last month at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre here. Indeed, the number eight came seemed to encompass this year’s show—800 exhibitors encompassing approximately 800,000 square feet of space in eight soccer-ball sized exhibition halls. And, in the most “coincidental” of events, the total number of visitors, 32,453 is considered to be eight in numerology as each digit is added together until a single one remains. In fact, the same can be said for the year itself, 2006, which adds up to eight. “We have been blessed with extremely good fortune,” said a smiling Wilbert Heijmans, director of VNU Exhibitions Asia, one of the producers of the event, along with Deutsche Messe AG, which also organizes the German Domotex. “Not only are we experiencing record numbers of exhibitors and attendees, everyone is upbeat and reporting good results.” He noted the 2005 show occupied just under 500,000 square feet, with 600 exhibitors and 25,300 visitors. Comparing the two years, 2006 saw a 62% increase in exhibition space, a 33% spurt in exhibitors and 29% more traffic. These numbers mean DACF is now the largest flooring event in Asia, and one of the top three all-encompassing flooring shows in the world, alongside Domotex Hannover and Surfaces. Heijmans noted, when it comes to just the wood and laminate segments of the market “DACF is the largest flooring show in the world” for these product categories. “There is no doubt the growth of the show continues,” he added. “The growing importance of China and Asia in the flooring market can definitely be seen at this year’s event.” Thomas Baert, president of wood and laminate manufacturer, Chinafloors, and one of the founders of the show, said the overall quality in terms of both exhibitors and attendees “has been fantastic. “At least that’s what I’m told about the other exhibits,” he joked, “because I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to walk the floor. I am very satisfied with the results so far. “DACF has established itself as a world leader for the flooring industry,” Baert added. “When you look out and see all the different countries represented by manufacturers and the people it’s amazing how far the show has come in only eight years.” That fact was confirmed just prior to the show when DACF was awarded certification by UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry. When it came to exhibitors, it was not just Asian companies but manufacturers from the U.S. and Europe also took part as a number of countries—including the U.S.—sponsored pavilions. But most of them came, or returned, with their own booths—some larger than last year. Some of the more well-known international and American companies at the market included Beaulieu of America, Armstrong, which announced its 50/50 joint venture with Chinese wood manufacturer Nature (FCNews, March 20/27); Tarkett; the Krono Group was strongly represented by a number of its divisions, including Kronotex, Kronospan and Krono Bejing; fiber suppliers such as Solutia and Honeywell; International Vinyl Co. (IVC); LG Floors, Faus (see story on page one) and so on. In addition, numerous other non-Chinese companies were well represented by their local distributors who, in some cases such as HiStep, took out larger spaces than a number of mills. HiStep distributes hard surface products such as Quick-Step and ParKy in China. DACF was not just about flooring product as the show played host to FloorTech Asia ’06. Starting a day prior DACF officially opening, FloorTech presented the latest in flooring manufacturing, technology and supplies. In addition to machines, supply materials crucial to the industry were also on display, including timber and veneer; paper for laminate, yarn weaving and coatings for all segments. Also, with sports taking on a bigger role in China, in part due to the 2008 Olympic Games being hosted in Bejing, a special “Sports Arena” was set up. Along with suppliers of sports floors, numerous seminars designed to enhance the communication between industrial experts, suppliers and buyers took place. What makes DACF unique among the major flooring events, though, is the visitors, especially those coming from the U.S. As was the case last year, FCNews spotted numerous mill, buying group and distributor executives scouting the show. Their purpose was two-fold, to see existing suppliers from whom they source private labelled goods as well as to possibly find new partners. In fact, DACF was usually not their final destination as many went from the show to other parts of China and Asia to visit the factories where their products are made. Many Chinese companies expressed their desire to one day market their own brands in the U.S. Within China, many brands are well known, but in Europe and the U.S. they do not exist. When it comes to exporting, the country currently is still primarily an OEM market, a term used for private label. “China is fast becoming the main hub in the Asia Pacific region at which to source affordable floor covering materials of high quality,” Baert concluded. “China is a major player on the world flooring market, due in large part to the competitive production cost. But, also because local producers have made great improvements in the quality of domestically produced flooring covering materials.” Hongfan Li, president of China Wood International (CWI), a consulting and market research firm, noted approximately 95% of wood flooring manufacturers in China are OEM. “This mode was employed 20 years ago when it was difficult for China’s exporters to have their own brands. To export by OEM for brand owners reduces cost and makes enlarging production easier. “But now,” he noted, “it is about time for them to have their own brands and be the real international enterprises.” The 9th DACF will take place next March 27 to 29. For information on attending or exhibiting, contact VNU’s Heijmans at 011-86-21-6120-6088 ext. 804 or by e-mail at wilbert.heijmans@vnuexhibitions.com.cn. |