Forwell More Than Just Inaugurates Global Operating Headquarters

September 5, 2008 is a significant date for Forwell Precision Machinery Co., a leading manufacturer of quick-die-change systems and automation equipment in Taiwan, for not only being the inauguration of its global operating headquarters in Pushin, Changhua County, central Taiwan, but also technological upgrading-by adopting the new version of ERP (enterprise resource planning) system based on the Microsoft Windows operating system.

The ISO9001:2000 and CE certified company, founded 21 years ago, notes it has spent NT$75 million (US$2.27 million at US$1: NT$33) in setting up the new operating HQ.

Forwell is notable for actually differentiating from its peers in Taiwan, tapping its expertise in pneumatic and hydraulic components to turn out a line unique, in-house developed products.

Not only specializing in the development, production of quick-mold-change systems for injection molding machines, mold casting machines, mechanical presses and PCB (printing circuit board) fine piercing systems, Forwell has also been successful in branding-penetrating the global market with the "Forwell" label.

The company's line of quick-mold-change systems are compatible with various kinds of clamping systems for automatic machines such as punch presses, injection molding machines and mold casting machines, die casting machines, punch presses and injection molding machines. The PCB micro-piercing system developed by Forwell features easy operation and adjustment, is highly precise and durable, specifically designed for precision punching of high-density PC boards, helping to increase productivity and save labor. To broaden product line, the company recently introduced two innovative items: the die/mold cart system and pressure clamps.

Global Deployment

Based in Taiwan, Forwell is focused on global marketing in the next decade, having divided its operations into four sections: pressing, injection, 3C (consumer electronics, computers and communications) and manufacturing, which aims to sharpen dedicated management and expand operating scale.

The pressing section handles development of presses, hydraulic automation equipment for metal processing. The injection section focuses on designing automation equipment for die-casting and plastic injection molding processes. The 3C section handles designing automation equipment for the 3C industry. And the manufacturing section supports the other three sections in manufacturing and assembly.

"We have begun running the new headquarters," says W.L. Hsiao, corporate president. "To effectively set up global marketing and enhance advantages, we have established four operating sections each with specialized personnel in charge of R&D, design, sales and manufacturing technique. Based on the profit-center system, each of the four sections has its own managers who also work for mutual support. Such strategy is aimed at providing professional product development and sales."

To optimally achieve division of labor among the four specialized operating sections, Forwell has taken to reorganize personnel, as well as recruit more people to enhance its management.

The Next Step

After fully developing the functions of the four sections, Forwell will then set up a production technology section to meet the demands of mold-making and robotics industries. "The proposed new section will focus on material development, manufacturing skill, production improvement and renovation, and R&D support," says Hsiao.

The proposed new section will handle development and production of innovative automation equipment for mold storage and specialized robotic arms to meet the special requirements of small and medium enterprises. Hsiao notes his company is prudently evaluating, analyzing the functions of the proposed section.

Hsiao says the establishment of the global operating HQ will help his company consolidate management strategy and fully develop business synergy. "Thanks to the establishment of the global operating headquarters, my company will achieve success in global sales, production, R&D and services," Hsiao claims.

Hsiao stresses the automation industry has to steadily show users advanced manufacturing technologies and innovative products, and more importantly how they can help to improve performance in various respects. "Continuing to develop reliable automation equipment and enhancing our brand recognition globally are reliably ways to prevent our operations from becoming obsolete," asserts Hsiao.

Investments in China

Forwell started up by investing in building a new factory in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, China in 2001 to boost production capacity, with the new plant having begun mass production in 2004. The company says all products made at its China plant are sold locally while its output in Taiwan is everywhere but China.

Hsiao boasts its mainland operations have broken even by 2007. "The fast growth of the mainland economy has enabled our mainland operations to take off," asserts Hsiao. "Our investments in China thrive on the huge local demand, allowing us the privilege of not having to cut production costs."

The company's operation in China differs widely from that in Taiwan. "The widely available satellite factories enable us to outsource the production of critical part and components," comments Hsiao. "But due to the lack of local manufacturing support, we have to raise the local content rate to over 80%."

Over the past several years, Forwell has been increasing investments in production equipment in the Ningbo factory. "In addition to installing advanced production equipment, we have also recruited well-trained technicians locally to boost development of innovative technologies and products," Hsiao says. "I believe our China operations are set to grow very fast, for we are literally peerless in China in terms of products."