Largest Singapore Contingent To Show At imm Cologne

Furniture World Magazine

The Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC), the official representative body of the republic’s burgeoning furniture industry announced that a contingent of 18 Singapore based furniture companies will participate at imm Cologne, Germany in 2008. This is more than double the number of Singapore exhibitors that took part at the international furniture fair in 2007 and by far, the largest Singapore contingent to participate in the fair to date with a total floor space of almost 20,000 square feet. Of the 18 companies, 10 can be found in the 416-square-metre Singapore pavilion in Hall 1. They include repeat exhibitors Haleywood Industries Pte Ltd, Home of Homes Furniture Pte Ltd, and Power Foam (S) Pte Ltd; as well as companies such as Acanthus Collection Pte Ltd, Eurosa Furniture Co (Pte) Ltd, Gnee Hong Co Pte Ltd, Ivena International Pte Ltd, Richin Furniture Décor Pte Ltd, Sheldon Systems Pte Ltd and Univonna Pte Ltd, who are making their debut at the fair. Visitors to imm Cologne 2008 can also look forward to viewing the works by design-centric Singapore companies such as Air Division Pte Ltd, Zhaplin Work Pte Ltd, Urban Foundry Pte Ltd and Exit Design as well as a unique range of first-to-market furniture pieces by selected participants from SFIC’s design initiative, Platform 2007, in the prime design pavilion in Hall 3.1. Amongst these, Air Division deserves special mentions as they were previously invited by the imm Cologne organisers, Koelnmesse GmbH, to take part in its design showcase. In addition, exhibition stalwarts HTL and Koda Ltd from Singapore will also be participating with their own furniture stands in Halls 6 and 8 respectively. Star Furniture Industries Pte Ltd, which had a booth within the Singapore pavilion in previous shows, will be exhibiting their products in a standalone space for the first time in Hall 1. Mr Andrew Ng, President of the Singapore Furniture Industries Council, said, " imm Cologne is an internationally reputed fair where one can find quality exhibitors and buyers as well as the latest range of well-designed furniture products. We are proud to have Singapore furniture players join the ranks of imm Cologne exhibitors as it gives them an opportunity to exhibit alongside established global players. Our exhibiting companies have a great combination of experienced management, a skilled workforce, excellent design and production capabilities. This gives them an edge in creating a diversity of high quality furniture products for the international market. Participating in the event will also elevate the profile of Singapore furniture designers and manufacturers in the international arena." Besides the exhibitors, the SFIC as well as International Enterprise Singapore and SPRING Singapore (both of which are agencies under the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry) will also be jointly leading a group of Singapore furniture manufacturers and exporters on a study mission to imm Cologne, Meuble Paris and Maison de Objet and in Paris. The group is expected to meet with European furniture retailers to gain further understanding of the market and explore business opportunities. For more information, visit www.singaporefurniture.com.