Economic woes hit SB Furniture
Major furniture manufacturer and distributor SB Furniture Industry is being affected by the sluggish economy.
Assistant managing director Tanatat Chawaldit pointed out two major factors causing difficulty: a downturn in the real-estate sector caused by the economic slow-down and an increase in costs of raw materials, particularly parawood.The price of parawood has increased because of a shortage caused by enormous export volumes. Vietnam and Malaysia, Thailand's major competitors in the international market, have also increased the cost of their exported parawood. The only furniture manufacturers that will be able to survive are those with strong foundations and solid brands that keep developing new products with designs that match consumers' styles, Tanatat said. One strategy of SB Furniture is to join hands with high-potential partners to conduct activities that will increase product value and attractiveness for both parties. The company's latest partner is Sony Thai. It offers price and service privileges for customers who want furniture for use with Sony's latest home-theatre set, the Bravia Theatre.
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