GROWING up in an impoverished postwar Taiwan, Johnson Health Tech (JHT) Founder Peter Lo knew that following one’s dreams would require hard work, ambition and a true entrepreneurial spirit, which, 40 years later, have become the core of his business.
It was 1975. With the idea that building his own business would be the key to long-term success, a determined Lo sent about 2,000 handwritten letters to American companies to offer support and services for their manufacturing needs. He received only two responses. One, an exercise equipment called IVANKO, asked if Lo could manufacture barbells. With his first order of $400 for 200 barbell piece, Lo created Johnson Metals. While learning the skills and knowledge necessary for barbell manufacturing, Lo began to understand the individual and societal benefits of fitness equipment and wanted to foster his commitment to health and well-being around the world.
By the 1980s Lo’s barbell business has expanded to the cardio fitness space. JHT became the original equipment manufacturer for numerous industry leaders, including Trek, Schwinn, Omron, True and Universal, among others. In 1996 JHT’s first brand efforts was spun off by the Trek Fitness management team—Vision Fitness—with the idea that the specialty fitness channel, still a small market at that time, would see immense growth in the future. While higher-end cardio products were too expensive and mass products were too low quality for most fitness enthusiasts at the time, JHT was to find the “sweet spot” by offering exceptional quality at a more affordable price.
With a knack for spotting major trends in the fitness and manufacturing world to meet today’s consumer needs, JHT’s business more than doubled within just three years. In 1998 JHT introduced Horizon Fitness to bring higher quality and durability to the typically lower-end sporting goods/mass-market channel. Three years later JHT launched the Matrix Fitness line of products to the commercial fitness channel.
Throughout its gradual but massive growth, JHT has also established itself as a true pioneer of product innovation, from the Matrix hybrid bike to the first folding elliptical, to perfecting the eddy current magnetic brake system. Many of the technologies invented for the JHT machines have now become industry standards. From the beginning, an investment in key technologies to increase quality and add value has been a key priority of JHT.
Currently JHT is the largest fitness manufacturer in Asia and the third-largest manufacturer in the world. With a product portfolio covering all fitness channels and markets, including Matrix, Vision and Horizon. JHT’s global network consists of manufacturing facilities in Shanghai and Taiwan, with Research & Development (R&D) centers in North America, Shanghai and Taiwan. It is among the industry’s fastest-growing manufacturers, and with 24 wholly owned subsidiaries, a service network of 60 countries and 230 retail stores, allowing it better reach and to efficiently serve the needs of its customers around the globe.
This 2016 JHT is proud to announce the establishment of their 23rd wholly owned subsidiary in the heart of the Makati business district, the leading financial and central business district of the Philippines.
“JHT is extremely excited to have an established home in one of the most dynamic cities in Southeast Asia. As a direct subsidiary, we can bring a number of significant benefits to our customers across both commercial and home-use fitness segments.” said Katsuya Ito, President of JHT’s Team Manila.With JHT’s industry-leading product portfolio and strength in global R&D and manufacturing, paired with our local team of highly trained professionals, we can provide turn-key solutions for all fitness and wellness-related needs. Here in Manila, we want to be known as JHT Philippines Inc.!” Prior to this appointment, Ito served as a regional sales manager for JHT’s Taiwan corporate headquarters, and head of Overseas Sales Development for Fujiiryoki (Fuji Medical Instruments), a leading Japanese massage-chair manufacturer.
The subsidiary will serve both the commercial market, including fitness clubs, condominiums, corporate gyms, colleges and government projects; as well as the home-use market, where the subsidiary’s primary focus will be to aggressively develop a corporate-owned retail store network across Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.
Since many people are now giving importance to their health, almost, if not all, companies—from simple product manufacturing to multinational companies and even restaurants or food vendors—are banking on health and wellness. And with the plethora of products and goods that claim to give the best health benefits, it is very hard to choose and decide what to patronize.
Recently in an interview with Maila Mupas, Retail Operations & Retail Sales Manager Johnson Health Tech Philippines Inc., she shares with Health and Fitness readers some of the reasons and facts why JHT is the name to trust when it comes to fitness aficionados’ needs. And with the opening of JHT in the country, the fitness industry will surely have a better and fitter shape.
- What is Johnson Fitness and Wellness? Johnson Fitness & Wellness (JFW) is the world’s largest specialty fitness retailer, we now have 315 stores worldwide. It is home to some of the most respected brands in the fitness industry, including Matrix, Horizon and Tempo. The company manufactures a wide assortment of fitness equipment for both commercial and residential use, including treadmills, elliptical trainers, exercise bikes and strength-training equipment.JFW caters to elite fitness enthusiasts, primarily aged 28 to 65, who regularly exercise or engage in sports on a social or professional level. They demand world-class performance, durability, functionality and innovative technology solutions, across a comprehensive range of high-quality fitness equipment. Ease of use, comfort, quality and features that make workouts more effective and enjoyable are all of paramount importance to these fitness enthusiasts.
- Are there JFW lifestyle/concept stores in other countries? As mentioned, we are the world’s largest specialty fitness retailer with 315 stores worldwide. We have stores in North America, Brazil, Italy, Spain, Greece, and more than 210 stores throughout Asia.”
- Could you tell us more about the concept of your lifestyle store? How did you come up with the overall architectural and interior design elements? The store concept in the Philippines has evolved into the modern, straightforward and clean concept, using the corporate colors of red, white, gray and wood. We want the customer to be able to get on the equipment and be at home with the equipment without getting confused or intimidated by machines. All our equipment on display can be tested at your own convenience. We want our customers to not only know about our products, but be able to feel the Johnson difference. We also put in several video screens for easy access to information.
- What would make your store different from the rest? We ensure a high level of customer service not just by welcoming you in our stores, but that your experience with Johnson mirrors our group culture of sincerity, expertise and initiative.
- Let us talk about your product line, what does a JFW Store sell? And do you accept credit cards? As well as a comprehensive line of fitness equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, and strength equipment, we also carry wellness products such as massage chairs and foot massagers
- If I buy an equipment today, how many days will I wait before it gets delivered? If on stock, within seven days, otherwise, within 30 to 45 days.
- If I want to set up a home gym, could you help me set it up? We can assist you in choosing the right equipment and suggesting a layout for your home gym that will suit your needs.
- How many branches do you have and where are its locations? We are opening our first branch in Commercenter Alabang and are currently working on our SM Clark and Pioneer Center Pasig branches.
- Why have you chosen these particular locations? We have chosen 12 key cities in the country to expand our retail stores for the first two to three years and will open more locations outside of Metro Manila in the future.
- Please invite our readers to your stores, mention locations, etc…. We invite everyone, whether you are a fitness enthusiasts, somebody who has weight goals or is just about to start on a journey to an active lifestyle, to come and visit us, as we share our ultimate goal of promoting health to increase personal well-being. We aim to improve life through exercise that is motivating, energizing and rewarding by providing quality products and services in our Johnson stores.