Mr Jay Chiu - Grandwork Interior

BUILDING trust and rapport with clients, suppliers and sub-contractors is a continuous process for Grandwork Interior.

"We treat them like our own family members," says Mr Jay Chiu (below), the 47-year-old founder and managing director of the company.

"This means that their problems are also our problems and we will try our best to help them even after we have completed our projects. It is an aftersales service that we provide and we will always go back to service our clients even after many years," he says.

"I show my commitment in my work and encourage my staff to show the same kind of commitment. This, together with rewards and compliments for work well done, helps to build a committed team.

"I also keep myself aware of the different ways of managing a company so that I can implement measures correctly and at the right time."

Consistent delivery of high quality  services and workmanship, Mr Chiu adds, enables the company to win the trust of clients, suppliers and sub-contractors.

The firm, which produces custom- made furniture, also specialises in interior fittings and restoration in big and small projects. It has grown over the years since it started as a small interior fittings firm in 1984.

Annual sales and the number of projects rose considerably, with the initial focus on residential properties and factories later shifting to high-end commercial  and entertainment venues.

The staff grew from an average of four from 1995 to 2000 to the current strength of 180 workers.

Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia are the major overseas markets for Grandwork Interior. Its products have penetrated 35 major cities in 15 countries, including Moscow and Stockholm.

It is one of the few firms in Southeast Asia that produces ecologically friendly four-star furniture and fittings certified by Japan Plywood Inspection Corporation.

These products, which are free of formaldehyde, do not produce toxic gases that are harmful to consumers.

They meet the legal requirements in developed countries and were first introduced in Grandwork Interior in 2004 by Mr Chiu, who is also vicechairman of the North East Community  Development Council.

His company makes annual contributions to the Kuan Yin An Lao Pan Chien Centre and it hires retirees because it believes they can still contribute to the firm and society.

"We also hire student interns so that they will have the opportunity to gain exposure and improve themselves," Mr Chiu says.

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