As travel has become an increasingly universal activity, most people today regard a suitcase as an essential possession. Ownership may even include several types of case, suitable for both long and short journeys.

Many Taiwan factories use advanced plastics and other related materials to produce a wide variety of suitcases. In addition to meeting local demand, these products are exported to every corner of the globe.

According to statistics compiled by the CETDC (China External Trade Development Council), Taiwan-made suitcases find eager buyers in more than 150 countries.

Each year the United States imports huge quantities of plastic items, of which more than half (valued at US$230 million-plus) come from Taiwan.

By 1978, Taiwan had become a leading supplier of travel accessories to the Middle East. Local makers have also captured a large portion of the market in Europe, Southeast Asia, Southern Africa and other areas.

The glittering export figures were brought about through the efforts of many manufacturers, most of whom began as small family business marketing their own goods. Nan Zong Leather Products Co., is one of many such firms, a family enterprise managed by the five Chen brothers. One of them, Chen Chiu-nan, general manager in charge of exports, said: "Taiwan's plastic industry is highly developed, and the two big reasons are our good techniques in making artificial leather and the outstanding popularity of soft-leather suitcases on world markets."

Even though Nan Zong has been continually moving toward automation, it still needs more laborers. To decrease the turnover rate among workers and stabilize product quality, the company has been trying to improve conditions for its employees. "Ten years ago, all the profits were kept by the factory owner. If this happened now, the factory would be shut down in no time!" said company president Chen Tan. Employees have shares in Chen's company and those who put in more than five years service are eligible for a pension and a host of fringe benefits.

Taiwan produces soft-leather bags of higher quality and at lower cost than most other countries.

The cheapest item sells for about US$10 overseas, and the high-quality ones, for about US$40-50. The so-called "superior" or "inferior" quality is determined by the grades of plastic leather, metal accessories, stitching and design. Good-quality bags feature metal-plated accessories and locks, strong handles, brass zippers and attractive design. The lower-quality product has nylon zippers, and the metal plating is not of such high quality.

As well as making soft-leather bags, local companies manufacture large quantities of hard ABS plastic cases for export. One of these is the well-known Kodama Taiwan Ind. Co., which employs more than 500 persons, has assets of NT$100 million and has averaged 30% annual growth throughout its 15-year history.

In addition to being sold on the domestic market, the company's products are exported all over Asia, and sales are on the upswing in the Middle East, Europe, Central and South America, and other areas. Kodama Taiwan has been granted a number of patents, including those for:

(1) An attache case that stays locked even when turned upside down; (2) flexible travel cases made of steel cord instead of sheet metal, which recover their original shape, no matter how they are squeezed; (3) removable wheels; (4) travel cases with a hideaway strap; and (5) cases with combination locks.

Recently, in order to elevate the quality of hard cases shipped abroad, the government has been establishing uniform standards. Kodama Taiwan has been asked to help by supplying such item as:

(1) Case locks that can be used at least 12,000 times, giving them an estimated life of five years.

(2) An attache case handle that can support 30 kilograms.

Since these standards were established, buyers have come to realize how quality has been improved.

In addition to these hard-and soft-covered containers, Taiwan's manufacturers are turning out many fiberglass cases. The constant introduction of new styles and improvements in quality has ensured an increasing and more stable market for these products.

Realizing, however, that standing still is the same as falling behind, Taiwan's manufacturers are continuing their efforts to improve their products, particularly by working out their own designs.

Taiwan Handbags Export Trade Association general secretary, Chang Chia-cheng, said: "Most of our manufacturers produce items according to customer specifications and have failed to expand their own design function. Factories should take the initiative in creating more elegant products themselves, both to increase added value and to strengthen their hold on the market."

[Picture Caption]

1. In an industrialized society, suitcases are an essential for travellers. 2. Hard beauty cases equipped with stand-up mirrors. 3. Manufacturers produce large and small suitcases in different styles. 4. Attache cases equipped with sophisticated locks and fittings which can forestall theft and accidents.

1. & 2. Two processes in making hard cases: framing and molding. 3. Packing is done by hand rather than by machine. 4. Quality suitcases are fitted with strong zippers. 5. The bigger wheels make for easier movement and support more weight. 6. Polished nylon case is firm and durable. 7. Stylish soft-leather case can be expanded. 8. Fabric suitcase is popular for its colorful design. 9. Five matching soft-leather cases. 10. Hard frame suitcase with soft PVC cover combine toughness and flexibility.

Wide array of suitcases is available in numerous department stores to meet consumer demand.

Hard beauty cases equipped with stand-up mirrors.

Manufacturers produce large and small suitcases in different styles.

Attache cases equipped with sophisticated locks and fittings which can forestall theft and accidents.

Two processes in making hard cases: framing and molding.

Two processes in making hard cases: framing and molding.

Packing is done by hand rather than by machine.

Quality suitcases are fitted with strong zippers.

The bigger wheels make for easier movement and support more weight.

Polished nylon case is firm and durable.

Stylish soft-leather case can be expanded.

Fabric suitcase is popular for its colorful design.

Five matching soft-leather cases.

Hard frame suitcase with soft PVC cover combine toughness and flexibility.

Wide array of suitcases is available in numerous department stores to meet consumer demand.

Wide array of suitcases is available in numerous department stores to meet consumer demand.