Furniture firm here eyes Asean market

A LEADING South Korean furniture company that has established its first international expansion in Davao City is eyeing to supply home furnishing needs of homeowners in neighboring countries, particularly members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean).

"If we go full blast in our operation in Davao City, we are looking at supplying the demand for home and office furnishings of the neighboring countries," Liz Kim, OTR-Philippines marketing head, said.

She said this is among future plans of the company when it decided to expand in the city, considering its proximity by sea to Asean-member countries, like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

From Davao City, the company is planning to export its finished products to these countries, contributing to the city's export revenues.

"With the craftsmanship and the quality of our products, which the Koreans are known for, there is no reason that other foreign markets won't accept us," Kim said.

Incheon-based OTR (On the Rock) Furnitures, recently opened its factory and a showroom at Sabido Compound on R. Castillo street in Agdao, Davao City, bringing in the latest Korean technology in furniture making in the country. OTR is one of the leading furniture brands in South Korea.

"We see a lot of property developments in Davao City and neighborings areas and we see a growing demand for home and office furnishings and we want to help address that," Kim told Sun.Star in an interview.

Kim said OTR boasts high-quality products and services, which are widely accepted by homeowners in South Korea.

"All raw materials for the furniture that we offer here came all the way from South Korea. And these are assembled here using our modern equipment that was also shipped in from that country," she said.

She said they have poured in an investment of at least P10 million for their Davao expansion.

"OTR products are quality guaranteed. This has been proven and tested by several Korean homeowners association. These are the same products that we want to povide to our Filipino clients," Kim assured.

She said OTR specializes on customized kitchen cabinets, closets, sofas, beds and office furnishings.