Harith Green Carpenter | Disrupting the Status Quo
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By The Green Factory
Harith Green Carpenter (HGC) came about at a time when green furniture was still somewhat unheard of in Malaysia but by the early 2010s, the trend for upcycled furniture was gradually catching wind in our corner of the world.
As the cafe culture wave began sweeping the urban landscape of Klang Valley and other urban areas across the country, Harith Ridzuan (the man behind the brand and founder of The Green Factory), took on projects that allowed him to experiment with designing interior settings for restaurants, cafes and retail outlets using furniture made from construction waste.
A moment of reflection
Around this time, Harith had already spent a handful of years working for his family's 20-year old woodworking business. As the eldest in the family, it was his destiny to eventually lead the company as a second-generation woodworker. But as he got more involved in the sourcing & manufacturing side of the business, he noticed a lot of unsustainable practices being carried out right under his nose, which was the pivoting reason for why he delved into greener manufacturing.
An excerpt from his personal blog sheds light on what drove him to change his company's direction:
"It was a time of reflection and confusion in my life as I began to notice a lot of challenges within the industry, [...] the 3 issues that kept me awake at night:
1. There is a lot of waste being created by the wood industry
2. Poor monitoring of material sourcing in the local industry has created a negative perception among developed countries towards Malaysia’s sourcing of timber and management of forests.
3. Illegal logging and land management
From my findings, what I found was injustice."
So thus began his upcycling journey in 2012, starting with furniture that had a raw, industrial appeal. What set him apart from other woodworkers also experimenting with upcycled furniture, however, was his team's experienced workmanship and the industrial machines they had on hand. This enabled them to create a more refined look when working with old and used wood. He was able to process discarded wood to look like new, a technique that would eventually catch the attention of affluent clients as well as corporations seeking sustainable alternatives with good-looking aesthetics and quality workmanship.
A man with a mission
As demand for green products grew, his family business naturally gravitated towards adopting the green concept and it is today the core identity of the company. But one company can only do so much. In order to save the earth from injustice, what's required is for the green concept to extend to a larger scale - across industries and nationwide regions.
Harith has made it his life's work to advocate for green manufacturing and sustainable living - firstly by setting an example of how it can be done, and secondly by creating a dialogue with carpenters, designers, architects, communities, consumers, and industry leaders about the need to go green.
With big dreams to fulfill, what HGC ultimately hopes to achieve is to have every Malaysian on board in this largely significant journey of making Malaysia a global hub for sustainable products.
THE GREEN FACTORY'S MERDEKARPENTER OPEN DAY 2023
We are delighted to extend this special invitation to you and your family to join us for an exciting and educational MERDEKAPENTER Open Day event at The Green Factory!
Date: 26 August, 2023
Time: 10am-6pm
Location: Lot PT 12725, Jalan 16, Kampung Baru Ampang, Ampang 68000 Selangor
Discover the Wonders of Our One-Of-A-Kind Factory
Prepare to be amazed as we open the doors to our unique factory, where innovation and sustainability unite to create extraordinary products.
The Merdekapenter Factory Open Day is a special opportunity to gain insight into our manufacturing processes and witness first-hand how our exceptional products are brought to life.
Watch our team in action as we demonstrate ways we practise green manufacturing.
Enjoy discounts of up to 70% on what’s available instore at The Green Factory.
Get creative and express your artistic skill on reclaimed wood.
RM30 per session. Suitable for kids & adults
Check out what’s available from
our collection of inhouse designed furniture & items. Preorders applicable for displayed products only.
Watch our team in their zone as they demonstrate our signature wood finishing techniques.
Chill with your buddies while playing traditional & modern Malaysian games.
What to Expect:
✳️ Guided Factory Tour: Knowledgeable guides will lead you through the various sections of the factory, providing fascinating insights into our meticulous production processes.
✳️ Interactive Exhibits: Engage in interactive displays showcasing our latest products and discover how we consistently strive for excellence in quality and sustainability.
✳️ Meet the Experts: Interact with our passionate team of makers, designers, and experts who will be present to answer your questions and share their experiences.
✳️ Family-Friendly Activities: We have planned a range of fun activities for all ages, including experiential carpentry activities, games, hands-on workshops, making it a delightful experience for everyone.
✳️ Food and Refreshments: Savour a delectable assortment of refreshments and snacks available throughout the event.
✳️ Shop for Sustainable Products: Visit our Green Factory Shop and enjoy exclusive discounts and offers for one day only!
🎟️ BUY EARLY BIRD TICKETS now and win a FREE GIFT!:
To ensure a memorable and smooth experience for all our guests, we kindly request buy your admissions ticket prior to the event. Stand a chance to be the first 50 pax to win a complimentary gift!
Buy your admission ticket here!
Safety Precautions:
Your safety is our top priority. Rest assured, we have taken all necessary precautions to adhere to current health and safety guidelines. Face masks and sanitization stations will be readily available throughout the premises.
If you're:
🔨Curious about woodworking
🔨Interested to see how sustainable wooden products are made
🔨 A newbie that's never stepped foot in a factory before
🔨 Wanting to have a go at some beginner woodworking activities
🔨 Wondering how a quaint but happening factory like ours exist in Malaysia
Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to get a glimpse behind the scenes of our award-winning factory.
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our passion for innovation and excellence. See you there!
For the price of RM5, enjoy a wide range of woodworking activities with our TGF experts.
BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE
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