Established in 1997 by brothers Niki and Derek Tsang, the partners believe a happy workforce is a productive workforce. Director Niki Tsang said to inspire staff to work to the best of their ability, he gives them the authority to make strategic decisions -- even hiring staff -- and participate in structuring the company as they see fit.

"As they run their own systems and lead their own men, management problems are minimised," the entrepreneur said.

In recognition of Wah Lam's achievements and management philosophy, the company received the New SME Merit Award at the 2000 SME Awards.

Staff are also encouraged to set their own performance objectives. Management then helps design a merit system for measuring their performance.

"Staff are more willing to perform up to standard because they are the ones who set the objectives," Mr Tsang said, adding that such an approach fosters independence.

Besides giving staff the room and incentive to bloom, the Tsangs say their strong growth has also been led by focusing on providing their customers with quality products and services.

Their motto is, "clients get products and products get clients."

Mr Tsang said a substantial proportion of the company's business now comes in through word-of-mouth recommendations, which have won them contracts with clients as diverse as government offices to luxury department stores.

Wah Lam's core business is quality building materials, many of which are newly developed materials and imported into Hong Kong by the Tsangs. This often means they are also new to designers in the territory and thus take time to become accepted.

Still, this hasn't stopped the company from quadrupling the range of products it supplies. But Mr Tsang stresses that it is only interested in providing quality building materials.

The bulk of Wah Lam's income is derived from supplying toilet cubicles, vinyl flooring and locker systems. But due to requests from designers, it has diversified into aluminium ceiling panels, fire doors, and laminated floors among others.

"We profit by providing value-added solutions in building and construction materials to professionals ?it's a perfect win-win situation," he said.

He is also confident that the compact laminate flooring material holds huge potential in Hong Kong.

"It's virtually indestructible and it's waterproof and scratch-proof. Because wooden floors in Hong Kong give builders and designers so many problems due the humidity, compact laminate eliminates all the problems associated with wooden floors," he said.

To promote the virtues of the company's new products, it works closely with interior designers and architects to alert them to the advantages of the materials.

To this end, its mother company, Wah Lam Electronic Engineering Limited is also closely involved as it is working with designers to supply the nerve centre of the smart home.

Managing Director Derek Tsang said it is just matter of time before all new homes incorporate broadband systems to facilitate security, entertainment, news, education and Internet access.

For the future, the brothers are eyeing the China market and have already set up a branch office in Guangzhou.