Page 7 - MALAYSIA EXPORTERS OF OUTDOOR FURNITURE DIRECTORY

Malaysia Exporters of Outdoor Furniture Directory
v INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
A Landscape of the Malaysia Outdoor Furniture Industry
From a domestic cottage-based industry, furniture has evolved into a multi-
billion business that utilizes high tech production for manufacturing. Malaysia
consistently ranks in the top ten global exporters for furniture – in 2010, it
was no 8 globally and 3rd in Asia after PRC & Vietnam (Source: CSIL). With
more than 2,400 furniture companies, comprising manufacturers, traders
and retailers, it is now one of Malaysia’s biggest revenue earners, exporting
over RM7 billion worth of products to more than 160 countries annually.
Malaysia has firmly established a niche in the highly competitive segment of
office furniture. Leveraging on that expertise and experience, Malaysia is now
set to raise the bar for outdoor furniture, one of the hottest sub-segments within
the industry. Malaysia has several things going for it: a strong manufacturing
foundation that evolved from being a provider of raw materials to manufacturers
of excellent products; an abundance of rich wood supplies; excellent design
capabilities; and good manufacturing practices.
With over three quarter of the country covered in primary rainforest, it’s no
surprise that about 80 percent of Malaysian furniture is made from tropical
hardwood. Extremely popular both locally and overseas, hardwood seasons
well and ages gracefully without losing its defining features. It’s worth pointing
out that Malaysian manufacturers predominantly source their material from
properly managed and sustainable forests, so you acquire all the natural charm
and quality of real wood with none of the destructive effects of deforestation.
In addition to local wood, Malaysia offers a rich variety of options, including
furniture from imported wood, plastics, metal, composite and a combination
of material. To keep things exciting, furniture makers use innovative mixes of
materials – such as wood and composite, polyethylene and metal - to produce
designs that are both functional and aesthetic.
A common thread that runs through Malaysian furniture is quality designs
that suit the lifestyles and tastes of different generations. Malaysian products
consistently draw accolades for outstanding products that incorporate
indigenous design and superior finishing, assimilate the latest styles, materials
and trends which are both aesthetic and functional while integrating ergonomic
features and durability. From regular furniture to designer items, antique-
themed to futuristic-looking Zen pieces and multi-functional furniture, the variety