On November 22, students from the courses: ‘Production and Operation Management’, ‘Organizational Politics’ and ‘Business Ethics and Social Responsibility’ (43 students in total) - taught by Dr. Ryan Brading, visited Woody Chic Company.  This furniture company is located at the outskirts of Tainan City.  Students observed how a 1) Taiwanese furniture company has been able to mix traditional Chinese furniture designs with modern looks; 2) how traditional manufacturing techniques are still implemented; and 3) how Supply Chain activities work in this industry.                    

Students received a warm welcome by Mr. John Chiang (the son of the business owner), manager of the ‘Furniture Manufacturing Eco-Museum in Tainan’.  Apart from the Woody Chic factory and showroom, there is a furniture museum at this site. Mr. Chiang organized an excellent tour around the museum, factory and showroom - for NSYSU students.

The museum consists of pieces that reflect the history of the furniture of Taiwan: during different periods such as the Ming Dynasty, Japanese colonization and modern Taiwan. Students observed various styles of furniture. Each piece tells a fascinating story from Taiwan’s past.  

During the visit, Mr. Chiang demonstrated how traditional hardwood crafting techniques are used in order to produce high-quality Woody Chic furniture.  The technique of not using nails or screws - but traditional Chinese craftmanship techniques - makes their products unique.

Woody Chic put a lot of emphasize on quality; from the selection of timber which is rosewood to the finished product. The furniture is carefully handcrafted and tailored made by highly skilled craftsmen.

The trip helped students better comprehend how manufacturing processes work, what the Supply Chain means, and see another perspective about Taiwanese culture. And furthermore, how a Taiwanese business is trying to expand internationally.