With Strong Sales Pace, Franz Collection Celebrates 3rd Anniversary.

In the three years since artist and entrepreneur Francis Chen founded Franz Collection Inc., the company has written a new chapter in the world of decorative accessories, having created a beautiful line of porcelain tableware, vases, decorative accents and exquisite jewelry. In keeping with his vision to revive Chinese porcelain artistry, Franz Collection president Francis Chen has been able to captivate retailers and consumers alike with the uniqueness and fine quality that the Franz Collection has come to represent.

"We're proud that in just three years, Franz Collection has become a recognizable brand not only in the U.S., but worldwide as well," says Shonnie Bilin, vice-president of sales and marketing and chief operating officer of the San Francisco-based company. Franz currently markets its line in the U.S., United Kingdom, throughout Europe and Canada, Asia and Australia, and plans to move into other countries in the near future.

As Bilin sees it, Chen's experience in the industry and his expertise in manufacturing porcelain have been integral reasons for the company's success. "Francis' experience creating product for other companies and the investment he made in developing the technique and porcelain materials that Franz uses has propelled the company into the forefront," she says. The fact that the Franz Collection debuted its distinctive product line at a time when resin dominated the decorative accessories market has also been significant, Bilin feels.

Along with the invaluable experience that both Chen and Bilin have brought to the table, Franz Collection has made its mark with a creative product line that’s both beautiful and functional. Through a combination of original designs, fresh additions to already successful themes and exciting new categories, Franz Collection entered this summer trade show season with great momentum. In total, the company added more than 70 new pieces in a number of product categories, matching its aggressive product rollout for the January 2005 markets.

In stemware, eight new SKUs have been added, all featuring distinctive Austrian crystal and sculptured porcelain. Ten new items grace the growing jewelry collection, all crafted from rhodium-plated brass and sculptured porcelain. A host of dragonfly, butterfly and seashell earrings, pins, bracelets and necklaces are now being offered in a jewelry line that continues to garner attention from both the trade and consumers.

In keeping with the company's plans to expand into new categories comes the dramatic, limited edition Nativity Collection, with an initial launch of six porcelain figurines including the Holy Child, Mary, Joseph and the Three Wise Men. Expounding on the holiday theme, Franz has also added a festive Poinsettia design to its porcelain collection, seen on six items. These include a sculptured porcelain creamer, cup and saucer set, teapot, sugar jar with cover, spoon and tray.

The new Jungle series captures four animals – an elephant, giraffe, tiger and monkey - and is featured on cups and saucers and spoons. Rounding out the impressive summer introduction are a number of flower motifs, Sahara butterfly, ladybug, hummingbird, papillon, Bee & Apple Blossom and Citrus designs.

"Expanding into different product categories has been one of the keys to our growth, and will remain an important objective," Bilin contends. "In looking ahead, Franz Collection will continue to support the design concept that has made the company successful: decorative, functional accessories for the home."

With a product line that reflects a commitment to innovation, Francis Chen has also worked hard to bring more attention to the art of porcelain manufacturing. Last year Chen was chairman of the first-ever International Ceramic Fair, bringing hundreds of vendors to Jingdezhen, China, and this year the show returns to the same venue. The fair was created to mark the millennium of porcelain, in what is considered the world’s "Capitol of Porcelain." Seen as the gateway to Chinese ceramic sources and the ideal place to profit from the exciting emerging Chinese market, the fair will be held from Oct. 12-18. For further information, please call +86-798-856-2798 (Fax: +86-798-856-2779), or refer to the web site www.jingdezhenexpo.com, or e-mail address: mail@jingdezhenexpo.com.