Founded in 1992, Manwah Holdings Limited is the world’s largest manufacturer of motion sofas. With headquarters in Hong Kong, the Group has a presence in all of the major markets and cities around the world including the US, Canada, UK, China and Singapore. As a flagship enterprise in the Chinese furniture industry, Man Wah has over 200 self-developed products patented and quality certified.

So it is with much excitement that we welcome the partnering of Sofa Group Australasia and Manwah in bringing the Cheers range of sofa products to Furnitex 2011. Brands like ‘Cheers’ and ‘Enlanda’ are now sold to 80 countries worldwide. Sofa Group Australasia has worked hard over the last 18 months re-launching Cheers in Australia and this work now culminates with an offer and presentation that aims to be the highlight of Furnitex this month.

In lieu of the launch, Man Wah has been driving a fresh approach to its global sales division, appointing the very experienced UK Furniture executive Alan Marnie to its management team late last year. He is forging a new approach to Manwah Sales & Distribution as CEO of the UK, Europe South Africa & Australasia division. His approach to effective product development and efficient selling has had a great impact in his short time with Manwah – securing large multi-store accounts from England, Ireland & South Africa.

He is seeking to bring these same benefits to Australia through critical management of key ‘House’ accounts and best practice support of the key wholesaling function through Sofa Group Australasia. It is Alan’s pleasure, along with strategic partner Sofa Group Australasia, to invite the whole Australian Furniture industry to Furnitex 2011 to see and discuss what Manwah has to offer. We asked Alan a few questions that provide a snapshot of what you can expect when you meet him and visit the stand.

What is your back ground in Furniture? How long have you been in the industry and what have been your major successes and achievements?

I have been in the furniture industry in Europe for 20 years with experience in Retail and manufacturing always related to the upholstery business, also having recently run one of Europe’s largest Furniture Chains.

What have been your experiences with Manwah before and after you joined the company?

I worked with Man Wah as a customer for 5 years prior to joining the company last September. I joined to support Manwah’s European expansion program, a natural choice given my detailed working knowledge and respect for the company gained whilst buying from them.

What of these experiences contributed to you wanting to join the company?

I always considered Man Wah to be an industry leader, offering quality, service and fantastic value for money and innovative products.

What about Manwah impresses you the most compared to other manufacturers you have dealt with?

The dynamic of the business from the leadership down the company is forward thinking in many respects not least, customer focused, product innovation and value for money - whilst remaining focused on the company’s core strength being motion sofas which provided a unique solution to rising consumer demand.

How have you perceived the Australian Furniture market and what experiences previously do you think are relevant to the Australian market now?

There are many similarities in the Australian market to that of the UK and Europe, however worldwide customers want new exciting yet practical solutions for their needs. Style and design need to accompany amazing comfort, the finest covers in leather and fabric and be representative of great value! Manwah has an unbeatable offering that proves irresistible to the retailer and customers alike. These ingredients are forged together at Man Wah in the culture of the company.

Are there any trends and offers that you see as being a major influence in the coming years?

There is a certain irrepressible move to motion furniture that provides added value and ultimate comfort. Contemporary styles are increasing in popularity as are large corner recliner sofas, with an increase in fabric evident. Man Wah are focusing on these new trends through various new exclusive fabric collections that Man Wah have recently launched.

What of these influences and trends can customers expect to find on the Manwah stand at Furnitex?

Man Wah will launch at Furnitex some amazing concepts in fabric, some that emulate the characteristics of leather however have all the warmth and tactile feel of fabric. Also it will combine various fabrics to offer two tone options and added product individuality in design that will set Man Wah apart from its peer group. This of course is in addition to Man Wah’s fantastic luxury leather collections, modern design and ‘MODUPLEX’ range that offers to the customer the ultimate versatility with hundreds of combinations to solve all demanding seating requirements. What do you see as the major benefits for Australian customers trading with Manwah and building a partnership with them? Man Wah look towards long term partnerships with its retail customer base where we work hand in hand to continually develop new products for the discerning customer. New ideas in cover, product design and comfort are foremost in our company’s strategy as we strive to provide the retailer with fresh and exciting - yet different marketable products. We expect to allow the retailer to lead the market not follow in what are very difficult market conditions worldwide.

 

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