“We do things more the Italian way,” said Liao. “We produce good quality. It's an integrated factory, which doesn't need a lot of people to run it.” In total, the Shanghai location employees 60 workers, and the operation in Taiwan is comprised of 65 employees.

The Shanghai branch concentrates mainly on the Chinese market, and the Taiwan factory focuses more on exports. Liao explained that China comprises 90% of the market for Shanghai Hui Zhong, with most of the exports being shipped from the Taiwan location. “[In the U.S.], we have quite a reputation on the West Coast,” said Liao. In addition to the U.S., Horng Yuan supplies products to mainland China, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and the Philippines.

Shanghai Hui Zhong also has an international reputation as a block buyer. In total, the company imports about 1,000 blocks a month. “We have strong support from quarries all around the world,” said Liao, adding that the company buys many of its blocks from India, Brazil, the U.S. and Canada. It only produces slabs, and offers a selection of about 50 to 60 granites. The Shanghai location maintains an inventory of approximately 5,000 cubic meters of material, while the factory in Taiwan has a stock of about 6,000 cubic meters.

Both companies hold high standards for quality. “If someone is just coming for cost, I say, 'No, you come for quality,'” said Liao. “In the beginning, it was a little difficult, because no one thought that we could compete with Italy, Spain, etc. I gave it a chance, and when the quality and service is good, it makes it easier.”