Hawkes Bay based company Furnware has broken into the Chinese market on the back of leads generated from Kea’s Global Update in April this year. 

Furnware, which designs and manufactures ergonomic school furniture, was profiled in the newsletter and received a number of responses from China as a result. 

Hamish Whyte, Director of Furnware says “Even with our organic growth, we are always looking for new sales opportunities. So I was surprised and delighted at the leads that we received as a direct result of being featured in the newsletter”.

Furnware has now made initial sales into Shanghai and, based on current referral trends, is likely to receive enquiries from other schools in the area.

“It’s more than just the leads,” says Whyte, “Kea provides us with an enormous amount of credibility.  There have been several occasions while travelling overseas where I have been introduced to Kiwis who have heard about us through the Kea newsletter.”

Furnware’s business connections are also growing in Hong Kong. “We now have furniture in eight schools in Hong Kong, even though we have no sales team in the region. We will be looking to take advantage of this beachhead in the near future”.

As well as utilising Kea, Furnware has been busy promoting itself in other ways. Check out their latest television ad developed in conjunction with Vodafone: www.fruitbowl.co.nz/success-stories/furnware-comfortably-talking/


About Furnware
Furnware  had its humble beginnings back in 1934 but is now considered one of Hawke’s Bay’s world class businesses. It is leading the way on the international business stage (recognised by global investment of over NZ $2 million) through their Bodyfurn range of educational furniture.
Bodyfurn educational furniture is ground breaking by helping students and their teachers achieve improved physical learning space through quieter, calmer classrooms. Research shows that classroom distraction is reduced by up to 70% when using the Bodyfurn range.

Furnware distribute their Bodyfurn range schools in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Dubai and Saudi Arabia, with a critical sales source being referrals made from New Zealanders recommending Furnware to their global contacts.

The company considers itself one big ‘Furnware Family’ with over 70 full time employees, who have an average of over nine years service. And, they’re extending that family to ‘big brother’ Australia with the development of a robust business plan, alongside an office and warehouse in Melbourne, to cope with their rapid success in the Land of Oz.

Can you help Furnware with their ambitious growth plans by connecting them with educational professionals, business networks, and Kiwi parents where you are?

Furnware would love for you to get in touch.