TAICHUNG CITY, Taiwan — The Taiwan Woodworking Machinery Association (TWMA), currently representing approximately 220 member companies in both solid wood and panel machinery, has announced Ian Chang as its new Chairman. With over twenty years of experience as General Manager of Innovator Machinery, Chang brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the role. He succeeds past Chairmen who have built a strong foundation for the association over its 40-year history. Recognizing the current challenging global economic climate, including the changing interest rates in the United States and continued weak demand in the Chinese market, Chang has outlined a clear strategic vision for TWMA’s future.

Chang emphasizes the importance of continuous investment in research and development to create advanced new products. He believes this is crucial for establishing a competitive edge in niche markets and raising barriers to entry for competitors. He also acknowledges the increasing competition from neighboring Asian markets and stresses the need for members to diversify their market reach and mitigate risks by exploring new opportunities.

A key focus for Chang's term at TWMA is fostering collaboration between established and emerging generations within the industry. He encourages younger members and second-generation business owners to embrace proactive business management, building upon the foundations laid by previous generations. Simultaneously, he calls upon senior members to share their valuable experience and mentorship, facilitating the rapid growth and development of younger members.

Chang aims to actively secure resources from the government and related machinery organizations to support these initiatives. These resources will be used to assist member companies in identifying their strengths and weaknesses and enhancing their new product development capabilities. TWMA will strengthen connections with global industry associations and organize delegations of member companies, including young professionals, to explore international markets for product upgrades, transformations, and OEM collaboration opportunities. Chang is confident that through collaborative efforts, strategic prioritization, and expanded action plans, TWMA will successfully navigate the current economic challenges and usher in a new era of growth and prosperity for Taiwan’s woodworking machinery industry.