Taiwan's Biao Zhi offers these models, which have wooden and acrylic beads. Polyester, cotton, nylon or T/C is used as the base.

Makers of bead trimmings in mainland China and Taiwan are implementing measures to cope with various industry challenges. The main step involves enhancing R&D capability in order to add value to models. Suppliers are also improving production efficiency.

Such strategies are in response to a slump in exports, which has been instigated mainly by the economic slowdown in the US. Moreover, the 20 percent increase in material and petroleum costs over the past year is squeezing profit margins.

Even as low-end models continue to make up the largest share of exports, more suppliers are creating upscale designs by using Adobe Photoshop and other CAD software. Apart from acrylic and wooden beads, sequins, rhinestones, metallic thread, leather strips, faux fur trimming and feathers add visual interest to such models.

More-expensive versions to be used on evening wear and bridal gowns can be adorned with coral, semiprecious stones and cultured pearls.

Nylon, polyester and T/C are adopted as base fabric.

Under another competitive measure, a number of mainland makers are hiring additional R&D specialists to boost capability further. Companies are also sending their product development teams to trade shows and local design institutes so they can stay abreast of trends.

Taiwan companies, meanwhile, are investing in automation to improve proficiency. The machines being purchased, however, are used mainly for the less-expensive models. High-end designs are still mostly handcrafted.

Further, suppliers are procuring raw materials in bulk to obtain them at discounted prices. Having the components on hand in ample supply also makes it easier for manufacturing to commence once an order is placed.

Companies in the island source wooden, acrylic and resin rhinestones locally, and from Japan and Malaysia. These materials are said to be on a par with versions from Austria.

Among the mainland suppliers interviewed, Yama Ribbons & Bows Co. Ltd has a 35-person R&D team that uses CAD software in creating models. The design personnel attend various trade shows and undergo training to stay informed.

The company's 33,000sqm factory houses high-speed yarn-warping looms and high-temperature continuous dyeing machines. The plant also has seven-color printing machines.

Products from Yama comply with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. These are exported to the US, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Hello Lace Decoration Accessories Fty will be adding one more designer to its eight-member team. A CAD system is used in creating models.

Production at Sunbird Fashion Accessories Co. Ltd is tracked by an ERP system. This facilitates a streamlinedprocess that results in a low defect rate.

The company will double its R&D spending this year.

OEM and ODM orders make up the majority of Sunbird's exports, with 25 percent under the in-house brand.

At Tuton Textile (Ningbo) Co. Ltd, two more designers will be added to the R&D team.

Apart from locally sourced materials, the company uses beads procured in Japan and Italy. Finished products are sent to SGS for inspection.

In Taiwan, Chambow Mays Co. Ltd is investing in automated production under efforts to cope with rising labor costs. But high-end models will continue to be finished by hand.

Rexsun Goodwear Corp. produces half of its bead materials in-house. Mostly made of acrylic, trimmings come in various shapes, including star, teardrop and flower.

Models from Beima Enterprise Co. Ltd have a polyester or nylon base. These are adorned with acrylic beads that have a pearl-like sheen.

The company exports mainly to Europe, the US and the Middle East.

Products from Biao Zhi Enterprise Corp. are embellished with electroplated ABS beads.