Taipei, Aug. 2, 2006 (CENS)--This year, the annual Taipei International Hardware & DIY Show will be held from October 22 through 24 at the Taipei World Trade Center, and will feature bathroom hardware as its new theme.

The show, the largest of its kind in Taiwan, is in its fifth year since 2001. Show co-organizer Kaigo Co., Ltd. Expects 15,000 professional buyers including Global Hardline Group of the U.S., Ahlsell of Spain, Avery Dennison of Germany, Interlink of Japan and Lasher Tools of South Africa to check out latest products demonstrated by 200 exhibitors at 300 booths this year. Last year, the event attracted 8,436 buyers to visit the show.

This show will highlight excellent hardware and tools as well as do-it-yourself (DIY) products. On the show ground, products will be displayed include electricity-powered tools, pneumatic tools, hand tools, mechanical tools, tool boxes and kits, as well as trolleys and ladders in addition to bathroom hardware.

Chairman Charles Hsieh of the Taiwan Hand Tool Manufacturers` Association, which co-organizes the show with Kaigo, pointed out that the 2006 event would underscore “quality, innovation and competitiveness” slogan to differentiate Taiwan`s hand-tool and hardware industry from mainland China`s. The mainland has unseated Taiwan as the world`s No.1 exporter of hand tools since 2003.

According to Hsieh, Taiwan`s 5,000 manufacturers exported US$2.4 billion worth of various tools last year, representing over 90% of total output of the island`s hand-tool industry.

To boost product value, Hsieh`s organization has teamed up with the Mechanical Industry Research Laboratories (MIRL) of the government-backed Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to develop digital meters for tools. Also, the association is working with China Steel Corp. and the government-backed Metal Industries Research and Development Center on improving processing technique and materials.
(by Ken)