Hwa Fong Rubber was founded in 1945 when a Taiwanese technician apprentice returned from Japan after WWII and formed the company with several of his colleagues. Over a half a century has passed since the company has been established; Steven Y. Chang is now the chairman of Hwa Fong Rubber Ind. Co, LTD. In 2000, the company was listed on Taiwan Stock Exchange. In 2004, sales passed NT$6 billion and are expected to top NT$10 billion in 2008. The company’s current status in the industry is largely attributable to their market orientation. Since tires are consumable product and market demand continues to grow, the company has worked to consistently improve manufacturing processes to satisfy consumer needs. Hwa Fong places a strong emphasis on innovation to continuously upgrade their product lines. From the start of bicycle tire production to the development of radial light truck tires and radial passenger car tires, the company now manufactures a full range of tires for multiple markets.

In 1999, Hwa Fong obtained environmental management system ISO-14001 certification which ensures their production processes are controlled to prevent environmental impact. Chairman Steven Y. Chang also said Hwa Fong allocates a certain percentage of its sales each year for environmental maintenance, Waste water, emissions and production equipment is constantly improved. For example, the company has added an enclosed carbon black auto conveyor system for their rubber mixing process to eliminate environmental pollution.

With regard to quality, Hwa Fong has a corporate culture that strives for excellence. The company purchases quality control instruments and equipment from Japan, Germany, America and England and employs first class management personnel to develop premium quality products for future demand.

During Hwa Fong’s production processes, strict quality controls are introduced at each stage of the development. Products also must pass a battery of tests before formal mass production begins. HWA FONG consistently acquires quality certificates such as CNS, DOT (U.S.), JIS (Japan), E MARK (EU), ISO-9001 and ISO-14001. Products must also pass a strict battery of tests before entering formal production.

In addition to its three production plants in Changhua Taiwan, Hwa Fong also has two production facilities in both Thailand and China. Its current production facilities cover 800,000 square meters and the company employs over 5000 colleagues. The company has also set up branch companies in Singapore, Hong Kong and America. Hwa Fong is listed on the stock exchanges in Taiwan and Thailand. Hwa Fong’s status as reputable manufacturer in Taiwan has enhanced its sales volume over the years. In 2001, sales reaches NT$3.9 billion and rose to NT$4.9 billion in 2002 and NT$5.5 billion in 2003 and NT$6.0 billion in 2004 and NT$6.3 billion in 2005 and NT$6.8 billion in 2006. At present, 33% of its tires are sold domestically, 23% are exported to North America, 20% to Europe and 24% to Asia, New Zealand& Australia, Africa, Middle East and South central Americas, resulting in worldwide recognition for to the Duro Brand. As long as Hwa Fong maintains its high rate of growth, its future looks promising indeed.

The Street Motorcycle tires that Hwa Fong Rubber produces are considered by many to be the best in Taiwan. Duro has fitments for most V-twin and Metric Cursers Models. Such as the HF296A, HF-296C Boulevard pattern and the HF-261A Excursion pattern which are the most popular in the aftermarket. We are expanding these lines to include some of the new fitments. In the Boulevard line we are now developing a 150/80-16. Also in the Excursion line we are developing a wide white wall for our 130/90-16. We will also be producing a 150/80-16 black and wide white wall in the Excursion pattern later in this year. Duro is in fact one of the few companies still producing vintage tire patterns.