Building Value Keeps Sheng Chyean Ahead in Bar-making Machine Market

Subscribing to the belief religiously that to stay a top-caliber supplier of bar-making machines hinges on building high added-value has effectively kept Sheng Chyean Enterprise Co., Ltd. atop the industry with world-class reputation in Taiwan.

Sheng Chyean set up its business in 1994 in Taiwan's central country of Changhua, by selling machinery parts initially, and then venturing into producing specialized bar-making machinery, giving the firm the title of pioneer in the sector on the island. Despite having a relatively short history of 14 years, the ISO9001: 2000-certified company has rapidly evolved into the leading manufacturer of its kind in Taiwan, operating two factories in Taiwan and two others in China with nearly 100 workers overall. In addition, the firm does not stray from a tried-and-true formula: offering good quality at reasonable prices, which makes the company's products highly popular among clients worldwide.

Having developed thorough expertise in the field enables the company to build a wide- ranging product line, with machine tools that can process metallic bars and wires into various configurations. The lineup includes multifunctional drawing machine lines, multifunctional bar-to-bar cold drawing lines, line-bar machines, metal circular pin/bar stock end chamfering machines, high speed round bar straightening machines, BK round bar straightening machines, high speed irregular bar straightening machines, automatic straightening pressers, automatic wire straightening/cutting machines, flat mills and many other peripheral parts and accessories.

As Taiwan's foremost maker of bar-making machinery, Sheng Chyean successfully adopts standardized production processes and efficient mass production means, which help cut production cost and accelerate delivery. Such efficiencies are especially relevant to tap emerging markets as China and Turkey, where demand for large-sized industrial machine tools is surging quickly. "In fact, we take price-cutting competitors head-on, by offering a full range of bar-making machines from low-end to high-end models," Huang Yu-chuan, chairman, says.

Improving via Emulation

Knowing that Germany and Japan are the industry leaders, Sheng Chyean prudently studies their best selling, high-profile models to acquire new ideas and be inspired. Such a tactic works. The company has successfully developed independently a bar-making machine that rivals the ones from the standard bearers: this multi-type bar-extending machine incorporates functions similar to those offered on German and Japanese counterparts, adopts a high-tech computer, Mitsubishi-made controller and touch-type monitor to achieve the best balance between easy operation and high performance.

In addition to reinforced gears and gear housings, the bearing system in the machine features an attached lubrication unit for upgraded reliability as efficient lubrication is key to achieving higher stability and performance relative than in competing models.

Precision Cutting

The machine's sensor can directly gauge lengths of materials to be processed, which directs the drawing mechanism to enable materials to be cut precisely-to within 5mm. Also, the machine is notable for its hydraulic-pressure-based dynamic-cutting function that, coupled with a servo-motor controlled transmission, cuts steel bars precisely and efficiently.

Along with a commitment to providing OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and ODM (original design manufacturer) services, Sheng Chyean also, surprisingly, warrants against any mechanical defects and breakdowns, even ones caused by human error, as well as customized turnkey solutions.

Besides concentrating on product development and upgrades, the company also focuses on protecting intellectual property and information, a strategy that is critical to improved corporate survival: chairman Huang Yu-chuan believes that effective information protection measures can effectively enable his company to maintain the gap of superiority-keeping at bay its competitors-by depriving rivals of access to privileged information.

In-house Programming

For example, in addition to adopting ERP (enterprise resource planning) and TQM (total quality management) that helps build an efficient organizational structure, the company has consistently introduced PDM (product data management) concepts and invested sizable sums to procure MIS (management information system) tools. What's more, the company employs in-house software programmers to independently develop and upgrade well-suited database software, enabling the company to effectively keep confidential data and information securely within the firm. Another security-oriented step is that no single staffer is allowed to fully control corporate information and data.

"I think these strategies are how value is built at Sheng Chyean," Huang says of the way his company has done for information security. "Sheng Chyean is always trying to create value that can reinforce corporate presence globally. By building such unique value, we will not fear taking on challenges. In essence, we are improving Sheng Chyean."

The chairman also does not neglect to stress one of the pillars of successful enterprise: the quality of workforce being very valuable as corporate asset, adding, "bringing workers onboard is important but retaining them for lifetime service is even more so." That's why Sheng Chyean willingly pays transport subsidies and provides company shuttles for workers. Furthermore, the company recently has been trying to set up recreational space in factories for workers, aiming to offer more comfortable, attractive environments. After all, Sheng Chyean can't progress without workers."

Diversification

To further diversify in the machine tool sector, the company has set up a new affiliate, which specializes in offering metalwork services with CNC (computer numerically controlled) machinery as well as development of warehouse facilities, aiming to earnestly broaden its reach in the business.