ABOUT

Background and Motivation

For more than twenty years of development in Taiwan's cutting tool industry , most businesses have focused on upgrading their own technology and expanding their operations , lacking in-depth communication and cooperation with one another. This fragmented state led to technological gaps within the domestic cutting tool industry , making it difficult to consolidate the overall strength of the industry.

Compared to the international market , where various countries have their own dedicated cutting tool organizations—especially in mainland China , where numerous related associations have quickly advanced tool grinding technologies through collective power , showing remarkable industrial development momentum—Taiwanese manufacturers face severe challenges to their competitive advantage.

Initiation and Preparation Process

Professor Ping-Yin Lee from the Department of Mechanical and Computer-Aided Engineering at National Formosa University has been deeply involved in the cutting tool field for nearly twenty years. He has maintained close links with the industry through industry-academia joint programs , talent training courses , and cooperative projects.

Facing the dilemmas of a declining birthrate and an industrial talent shortage , Professor Lee repeatedly discussed response strategies with General Manager Yung-Hsiang Lai and Marketing Director Ching-Liang Fang of the Precision Machinery Research and Development Center (PMC) , exchanging views on development and communication models between machining and the cutting tool industry. All parties finally reached a consensus to first establish a communication platform.

On June 27, 2019, the "Cutting Tool Alliance Community" was officially established at National Formosa University. Through in-depth discussions and exchanges among community members, there was unanimous agreement that a formal cutting tool association based on legal sources should be established to more efficiently consolidate the power of the entire cutting tool supply chain and create a platform to speak for Taiwan's cutting tool industry.

On October 15, 2019, initiated by Professor Hsin-Liang Chang and Professor Ping-Yin Lee of National Formosa University, along with Chairman Chi-Le Li of Seven Leaders Corp., an application to establish the "Taiwan Cutting Tool Research and Manufacturing Association" was officially submitted to the Ministry of the Interior, and preparation approval was granted on January 16, 2020.

Official Establishment of the Association

During the two preparatory meetings, to make the name better align with the core of the industry, it was resolved to change the organization's name to the "Taiwan Cutting Tool Engineering Association" (abbreviated as TACEA).

On June 29, 2020, the association held its inaugural general assembly and the first joint meeting of directors and supervisors at the circular international conference hall of the Liberal Arts and Science Building at National Formosa University. Seventeen directors and five supervisors were elected, and Chairman Chi-Le Li of Seven Leaders Corp. was elected as the first Chairman.

On the same day, the association received certificate No. 1090038620 from the Ministry of the Interior, officially completing its registration for establishment, and was subsequently registered at the Taichung District Court as the "Taiwan Cutting Tool Engineering Association" (a corporate body).

Current Status and Future Prospects

Since its establishment , the association has actively functioned to unite the industrial chain , expanding its scale year by year. As of May 31 , 2026 , the association has 14 individual members , 140 corporate members , and 1 sponsoring member.
In the future, it will continue to act as a bridge among industry , government , academia , and research sectors , promoting technological exchange and talent cultivation to comprehensively enhance the international competitiveness of Taiwan's cutting tool industry.

Mission 01

Regularly hold academic forums and technical seminars, provide technical consulting, and facilitate cross-disciplinary and cross-departmental collaborations.

Mission 02

Collaborate with academia to host technical training courses; integrate industry, government, academia, and research sectors within the machining field to establish a win-win technology platform.

Mission 03

Assist member companies in expanding into domestic and overseas markets, and organize delegations to set up exhibition pavilions to secure domestic and international exhibition opportunities and related rights.

Mission 04

Coordinate with academic industry-academia-training programs for talent cultivation, fulfilling the industry's demand for professionals.

Mission 05

Assist member companies in compiling the latest developments in cutting technologies and related industries, and provide policy recommendations to the government.

Mission 06

Assist member companies in applying for government R&D subsidy programs, thereby enhancing industrial competitiveness.

Mission 07

Safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of members.

Chairman

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Looking back, factors ranging from the pandemic and trade wars to geopolitical tensions have caused raw material prices to soar and operating costs to surge. The cutting tool industry has faced severe tests in a highly volatile global market. Nevertheless, the Association has continued to grow steadily. This achievement is attributed to our three most important core values:

Selfless Mutual Assistance: Members uphold a spirit of mutual trust and openly share successful experiences.
Resource Integration: Through our platform, we continuously refine business management, technology, and educational training to maximize synergy.
Expanding Horizons: We enhance corporate competitiveness through high-quality enterprise visits and professional exchanges.

The power of a single individual is limited, but together, a group can transform an entire industry. Moving forward, I look forward to working hand in hand with all of you to build consensus and integrate resources, making Taiwan's cutting tools not only our national pride but a globally trusted brand.

TACEA Board of Directors and Supervisors

Michael ChenChairman of TACEA

Member Company Distribution

Central Taiwan

50.35%

Northern Taiwan

35.46%

Southern Taiwan

14.18%