UE: Elevating Your Comfort with A Better Ergonomic Chair

Founded in 2001 as China’s first publicly listed chair manufacturer, UE has established itself as a national high-tech enterprise with registered capital exceeding 300 million RMB. Operating five global production bases and employing over 5,000 professionals, the company’s vertically integrated approach to manufacturing and lean production philosophy has driven ergonomic support chair to maintain global sales leadership for three consecutive years, reaching 82 markets worldwide.

In its foundational years, UE charted a distinctive course in China’s furniture industry. Rather than competing in the saturated, price-driven office chair market, CEO Jiayong Zhang steered the company toward technically sophisticated massage chairs. This strategic focus on innovation and premium quality proved prescient, propelling UE into Anji’s top ten chair manufacturers by 2004, supported by a state-of-the-art 30,000-square-meter production facility.

In China’s early furniture industry, where original design and intellectual property awareness were limited, UE recognized that success in the global market demanded more than manufacturing prowess-it required proprietary innovation and robust R&D capabilities. Since then, UE has systematically expanded its global presence, investing 3% of annual sales in ergonomic research and fostering partnerships with leading design institutes across the U.S., Germany, and Italy, driving its extension into over 50 international markets.

UE Overseas Factory. SOURCE: UE

Today, UE’s manufacturing excellence spans an impressive network of smart factories totaling 880,000 square meters across five strategic global locations. Recent developments into Vietnam and Romania reflect the company’s sophisticated approach to global market access and supply chain optimization. These strategic initiatives have earned UE recognition as a National Green Supply Chain Management Enterprise and established its leadership through the Zhejiang Province Green Seating Research Institute, validating its transformation from a local manufacturer to a global industry leader in sustainable, innovation-driven seating solutions.

At the heart of UE’s success lies a steadfast commitment to technological innovation, demonstrated through systematic investment in research and development. Over the past three years alone, the company has invested more than 400 million RMB in R&D, yielding an impressive portfolio of 1,546 domestic and international patents and contributing to 18 national industry standards. This dedication to innovation has garnered prestigious recognition, including the German iF Design Award, Red Dot Best Design Award, and German Design Award. 

UE has invested 3% of its annual sales in technology research and development innovation for 12 consecutive years to create a healthy solution for sedentary users. SOURCE: UE

This commitment to excellence is anchored in UE’s state-of-the-art testing facility–the industry’s largest-which holds CNAS certification and serves as a TÜV Rheinland manufacturer site testing laboratory. The facility ensures every product meets rigorous international standards while maintaining UE’s signature quality benchmarks. The company’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem encompasses Robert welding and tube bending processes, precision injection molding, aluminum die-casting and polishing, cold-formed foam technology, and automated CNC and fabric cutting systems, all seamlessly integrated with intelligent sewing lines and packaging solutions.

Intelligent manufacturing Lean automated production line. SOURCE: UE

The MC-1171 represents UE’s latest breakthrough in ergonomic seating technology, centered on its patented dynamic lumbar support system. While comprehensive body support forms the foundation, the chair’s core innovation lies in its advanced sacral and lumbar support technology, delivering maximum support performance where users need it most.

At the heart of the MC-1171’s sophisticated design is the globally pioneering Magic hinge technology. This engineering marvel conceals 14 interconnected hinge mechanisms and over 50 precision components within a compact space, enabling silent folding and seamless movement. The Magic Comfy leg support, crafted from high-density metal materials, provides comprehensive support for thighs, calves, and ankles, capable of bearing up to 60kg while ensuring optimal comfort and reducing physical strain.

This intelligent system ensures smooth transitions whether leaning back or standing up, with perfectly calibrated resistance for both lighter and heavier users, making the MC-1171 a truly universal ergonomic solution.

MC-1171. SOURCE: UE

Complementing these features is the 7th generation self-adaptive linear control chassis, offering effortless recline adjustments suitable for users weighing between 45-90kg. SOURCE: UE

Building on its strategic evolution from manufacturer to innovator, UE has emerged as a cultural ambassador for Chinese design excellence in the global furniture industry. The company’s commitment to infusing cultural heritage into contemporary design has transformed its products from mere furniture pieces into powerful expressions of Chinese creativity and innovation.

The official table and chair partner of China Aerospace Galaxy Exploration. SOURCE: UE

This cultural innovation journey is exemplified by UE’s collaboration with China Aerospace, resulting in the creation of a magnificent 600-square-meter UE Space Gliding Station. This innovative space not only launches the cutting-edge P530 model but also incorporates elements of Chinese aerospace achievement, demonstrating the harmonious blend of cultural heritage and technological advancement.

UE’s cultural significance reached new heights when selected as the exclusive seating provider for BRICS nations’ bilateral meetings. The crowning achievement came with the creation of the “G20 Leaders’ Chair”, a masterpiece that eloquently weaves Chinese cultural elements into contemporary design. The chair’s central protective column features Hangzhou’s iconic “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon” design, while the wooden accents in the legs and backrest incorporate G20 summit motifs, creating a perfect synthesis of Jiangnan aesthetics, Chinese culture, and modern technology.

G20 Leaders’ Chair. SOURCE: UE

The recently launched Mulan series further exemplifies UE’s commitment to cultural expression through innovation. Named after the legendary Chinese heroine, this collection combines advanced ergonomic technology with traditional Chinese design elements. 

Mulan series. SOURCE: UE

These innovations demonstrate UE’s unique ability to meet international market demands while proudly showcasing Chinese cultural heritage. Each product tells a story of China’s rich history while delivering cutting-edge ergonomic solutions.

Drawing on 22 years of ergonomic expertise, UE has developed its proprietary ‘Support Technology System”, focusing on core user pain points. This comprehensive system features four distinct product lines-active support, dynamic support, adjustable support, and zone-specific support-working in harmony to optimize seating health through innovative chassis technology, lumbar support mechanisms, backrest support, and magic armrests.

The latest Bean Chair, designed in collaboration with Francesco Favaretto Studio–a pioneer in international design collaboration since the 1980–exemplifies this technological mastery. The chair features intelligent weight-sensing technology that automatically adjusts recline strength, coupled with adaptive posture support that accommodates users of varying heights. This perfect integration of smart technology and ergonomics demonstrates UE’s ability to transform complex engineering into intuitive, user-friendly solutions. 

Using high-resilience sponge, Bean Chair designed by Francesco Favaretto can effectively relieve the pressure on the buttocks. The density reaches 30, which effectively extends the service life of the sponge and makes the seat more comfortable. SOURCE: UE

Throughout its technological journey, UE maintains its founding philosophy: “Is there a better way?” This questioning spirit drives continuous improvement, transforming even routine processes into opportunities for innovation, ensuring UE remains at the forefront of ergonomic seating technology.

Save the date: Mark your calendars for the 55th China International Furniture Fair (Guangzhou), to be held in Guangzhou Pazhou.

From March 18 to 21, 2025, the first phase will feature Home Furniture, presenting all areas of home furnishings. The second phase, from March 28 to 31, will spotlight the Office and Commercial Space, the world's largest exhibition dedicated to office furniture and commercial design.

Pre-register your E-entry code for free now on our website!