The conference on “sharing experiences in quality and production management in wood processing factories” was held in Quy Nhon city. On the side of the conference, Binh Dinh newspapers reporter had an interview with Mr. HJ-Hafit Usol, an expert of the Skill Development Center for wood processing (Malaysia) on the issue of overcoming difficulties in the wood processing industry in Binh Dinh.

Produce wooden furniture for exporting at Phuoc Thinh Co., Ltd (Phu Cat district). Photo Van Tay

* What do you think about the activities of wood processing enterprises in Binh Dinh?

We had chances to visit several wood processing enterprises in Binh Dinh. Indeed, we were very surprised to realize that almost enterprises specializing in wood processing have to import wood. Another thing is that most of them are responsible for all phases. That’s different from those in Malaysia. There, we have a lot of forests used as material resources. Each enterprise only specializes in a particular phase; therefore, they are more professional and their products are better.

What’s more, it seems that workers in enterprises in Binh Dinh are still familiar with the so-called “agricultural manners”, so many go to work with bare feet, gossip as working, lack the concentration. Another shortcoming of these enterprises is that workforces are not equal and stable. As I know, there have been about 80 wood processing enterprises in Binh Dinh now and most situate in the Phu Tai industrial zone. Workers regularly move from one enterprise to another, which makes enterprises become passive in finding the workforce; meanwhile, there are only a few close relationships among enterprises. Besides, the spaces for production and workplaces are still inconvenient and unreasonable, which easily results in the industrial accidents; moreover, techniques for production are also backward.

* In your opinion, what must these enterprises do to develop?

Alongside the overcome of the above-mentioned shortcomings, in my opinion, wood processing enterprises in Binh Dinh should solve some problems by rearranging spaces for production, identifying production models, arranging equipments in production areas, improving preparations for material wood, and using semi-automatic equipments.

More importantly, they need to focus on training and developing human resources, use non-wooden materials in producing, and pay more attention to building strategic plans. In addition, they should follow production models under the company’s design and pay attention to the establishment of the relationship among enterprises.

* Could you make it clearer about building strategic plans?

This is a very important issue for a wood processing enterprise because there is always a high competition in this industry. They have to improve the capacity in competition to meet customers’ sudden change. They need to notice 4 basic issues when building strategic plans, that is,  challenges from material wood providers, customers, new kinds of raw materials, and alternative products. I believe that wood processing enterprises in Binh Dinh will be able to develop further if they can overcome difficulties and shortcomings.

* Thanh you very much!

• Interviewed by Viet Hien
• Translated by Hong Quang