REVENUE from furniture exports reached $303.8 million last year, up 3.3 percent from about $295 million in 2004, the Department of Trade and Industry said.

Of last year’s earnings, 68 percent accounted for shipments to the United States. Japan absorbed 4 percent of the total while 2 percent went to Great Britain. Also, the DTI said 7.6 percent of the amount represented products from Cebu-based Dedon Manufacturing Inc., which produces aluminum furniture.

According to the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Berlin, parent firm Dedon GmbH would continue expanding its operation in the Philippines and has earmarked $5 million for capital outlay for the next three years. Dedon’s performance was hailed as a successful synergy between Philippine craftsmanship and German technology.

Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila said the partnership not only contributed significant dollar earnings but growth for Cebu and employment for Cebuanos. The company, which was established in 2000 with an initial capital investment of P14.3 million, now has a workforce of 2,730. This is expected to reach 3,000 by yearend.

“We consider the employees our partners because we associate them to the company’s success,” said Dedon president Herve Lambert. He said the parent firm chose to invest in Cebu due to the province’s reputation as a mecca for traditional basket weaving.www.inq7.net

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