DEMAND for high-quality office equipment from international companies setting up shop in China is attracting the attention of a major furniture group.
Steelcase Asia Pacific, one of the leading suppliers of high-grade office furniture to international firms around the world, is considering entering the China market after its recent expansion throughout Southeast Asia.
After an eight-year incubation period in Australasia, the company has burst on to the Asian market in the past year, bulldozing its way into opportunities in the region.
The United States-based company has set up its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong and has manufacturing facilities in Japan and Thailand. It is now reinforcing its presence in Singapore, the Philippines, South Korea and Australia.
Steelcase president Gino Uguccioni said that now that the company's foundations in the region had been laid, it was better placed to ease into China and Vietnam.
''We have been a sleeping giant over the years, now we are starting to waken,'' Mr Uguccioni said. ''Many opportunities have arisen in the Far East and I feel we can become a major player in this part of the world.'' He said the company's furniture was mainly bought by large US multinationals and international firms establishing themselves in the region.