Rising Demand Drives Chinese Manufacturer AGIO's Expansion

Furniture World Magazine

To meet increasing demand, Agio is building a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in China to produce its high-quality patio furniture, announced Bob Gaylord, Executive Vice President of Agio. The new facility has been designed to further increase the manufacturing efficiencies that have helped distinguish Agio as one of the fastest-growing manufacturers of leisure furniture products. The new 500,000-square-foot plant in Tianjin, China, is slated to open in September. The facility is expected to increase production capacity by more than $50 million annually and provides additional resources for research and design. The new facility will be the second manufacturing plant Agio has opened this year. "Though we have always managed our production capacity well," says Bob Gaylord, , "we feel the new manufacturing facility will allow Agio to sustain growth with the mass merchants and increase our penetration in the specialty market. Known for distinctive designs, Agio products are considered by industry experts to be innovative and provide customers with an excellent value. Agio patio furniture is available in many well-known home, department and specialty stores. Agio, a brand leader in high-quality patio furniture, is a member of the corporate family of Shian International, headquartered in Hong Kong. Founded in 1977, Shian began producing patio furniture in 1989 and introduced the Agio brand in 1997. Agio products are manufactured in six facilities in China; the sales and marketing headquarters, customer service department, warranty and replacement warehouse, and USA purchasing division are located in Virginia Beach, Va. In 2000, Agio sales topped $105 million, with $150 million in sales projected for 2001. For more information, visit www.shianco.com. Agio patio furniture has moved into a 7,000-square-foot permanent showroom at the well-known Merchandise Mart in Chicago. Increased demand from mass merchandisers, increased penetration into the specialty market, and the recent expansion of the Agio product line created a need for a large, permanent showroom. "We’re excited about the opportunity to showcase additional products and features unique to Agio," says Bob Gaylord, executive vice president of Agio. The new showroom doubles Agio’s space at Merchandise Mart and complements the company’s 18,000 square feet of showroom space in the Orient. Agio is produced at six manufacturing facilities in China, with a seventh under construction. Considered by industry experts to be innovative and an excellent value, Agio patio furniture is available in many well-known home, department and specialty stores. Agio, a brand leader in high-quality patio furniture, is a member of the corporate family of Shian International, headquartered in Hong Kong. Founded in 1977, Shian began producing patio furniture in 1989 and introduced the Agio brand in 1997. Agio products are manufactured in six facilities in China; the sales and marketing headquarters, customer service department, warranty and replacement warehouse, and USA purchasing division are located in Virginia Beach, Va. In 2000, Agio sales topped $105 million, with $150 million in sales projected for 2001. For more information, visit www.shianco.com