Johnson Aims for 25% of Global Fitness Market by 2015

USA - English

• Brazil - Português

TAIPEI, Taiwan, Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- World-leading fitness equipment maker Johnson Health Technology Co. hopes to control 25% of the global market by 2015, which is as it plans further expansion to meet the growing global demand. The Brazil fitness market is seeing especially large growth, with the number of fitness centers in the country having doubled in the last few years.

Last year, Johnson overtook Nautilus to become the world's second-largest home fitness equipment manufacturer with sales of US$160 million behind only Icon. The figure is expected to climb to US$200 million this year and continue growing to US$560 million in 2012.

The global market for commercial fitness equipment is currently worth roughly US$2 billion per year. In order to reach its target, Johnson's annual revenues will need to grow to more than US$500 million.

In addition, the firm has already received second-half orders from clients such as Snap of the U.S. and The Gym and Pure Gym of the U.K.

The fitness maker also plans to invest in further strengthening its brand image. According to Johnson's chairman, K.C. Lo, the company will invest around US$4 million to reinforce its marketing channels for brand products in China and set up at least 60 more direct-sales outlets there by the end of 2011, bringing the total to 170.

In September 2011, Johnson was once again listed in the Top Taiwan Global Brands Survey. The survey, organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and Interbrand, recognized Johnson as the Top 19th brand with a brand value of US$137 million.

Johnson Health Tech has been ranked in the Top 20 of Taiwan-based brands for six years with its appraised brand value growing with each year.

With over 35 years of experience in the market, Johnson currently has major production bases in Taiwan and mainland China. It also has 17 marketing companies across the globe in countries including the US, the UK, Germany, Brazil, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Johnson's Brazil distribution center is located in the city of Indaiatuba. The center is the site of all of the company's logistics operations, sales offices, management, marketing and technical assistance, and product inventory. Johnson has stores throughout the country, specializing in vertical markets (hotels, clubs and condominiums) and residential care.

The company has consistently introduced new health technology and fitness equipment, where its product line includes treadmills, exercise bikes, weigh-training machines, and massage chairs.

Johnson has diversified with four brands in four different segments: Johnson, Matrix, Vision, and Horizon. The group has captured a variety of awards, including the 2011 Taiwan Excellence Silver Awards and 2010 International Design Excellence Award. The group was also named one of Asia's Best 200 under a billion by Forbes in 2006.

Brazil's fitness market is booming. According to the International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association, the country has more than 18,000 health clubs, second worldwide only to the number in the United States. The Association said that the number has more than doubled in the past few years, now being worth almost US$2.2 billion.

About Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)

The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) was founded in 1970 to promote Taiwan's foreign trade and competitiveness in world markets. Over the past 40 years, TAITRA has played a key role in the development of the Taiwan economy. TAITRA is jointly sponsored by the government and commercial associations and is viewed by all as the business gateway to Taiwan for the international business community. Please visit www.brandingtaiwan.org or www.taiwantrade.com.tw for more information.

PR Contacts:

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Michelle Wu
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SOURCE Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)