Return

Responsible corporate citizenship — New Twin Stars

Ruentex New Twin Stars (originally Ruentex Twin Stars) was a 27-year-old community constructed in 1988. During a routine inspection in 2012, it was accidentally discovered to be sea-sand houses. With the belief in corporate social responsibility and permanent after-sales service, we proactively assisted in the reconstruction of the buildings. It was the first time ever a construction company took the initiative to rebuild the community.

Below is partly quoted from Business Today's (Issue 945, 2015-02-02, p.80) report on Ruentex's sea-sand buildings:

In summer 2012, Ruentex Development found during a routine inspection that the Ruentex Twin Stars at Tingzhou Rd. and Xinhai Rd. in Taipei spalling concrete and exposed steel bars. The workers suspected corroded steel bars were caused by sea sand containing high chloride ions.
Chairman Samuel Yin convened senior managers and promptly made decisions upon receiving the information. Legally, the structural warranty of 15 years had expired, and there were no inspection standards for sea sand 24 years ago; Ruentex Deveploment thus did not bear any legal responsibility.
Because we wanted residents to have a safe home for a lifetime, Ruentex coordinated property rights and funded the reconstruction. Moreover, per Municipal Regulations for Concrete Buildings with High Chloride Ion in Taipei, the reconstructed apartments are on the same floors with identical orientations and documented areas. Residents never had to fret over safety and funding.
Though doubts and criticism emerged when Ruentex notified homeowners about the sea-sand building evaluation, the Company displayed commitment from day one. Within two months of the first signed contract on 2013-11-04, 60 of the 106 homeowners agreed to the contract. The last one was signed on 2014-12-14 after a year and a month, roughly 400 days of coordination.

Event timeline

Chen Xuexian, Vice President of the New Twin Stars Project

Internal feedback

Vice President Chen Xue-xian, who was involved in the project, shared touching and frustrating stories. Resistance made things challenging when first meeting with residents. Some homeowners were selling their apartments and had to change plans due to the reconstruction. Other issues include mortgage and housing arrangements. Our team tackled these problems one-by-one by mediating with individual banks about mortgages and acquiring permission from all 106 homeowners within 400 days. We kept homeowners in the loop for the entire duration, promising a safe, healthy, and comfortable home. Besides raising seismic resilience from 5 to 6 (240gal→252gal), Ruentex's patented ties safeguarded engineering and construction safety against earthquakes. We installed a building-type 3M water purifier in the basement to ensure water quality. We used our patented materials and insulation mortar for the exterior walls to enhance comfort, reducing over 3ﾟC indoors. Composite soundproofing flooring reduces 18 dB vertically. Vice President Chen stated that the CEO repeatedly stressed that "this is simply our obligation, not do-goodism," reiterating a professional, humble, and passionate attitude. Our team shares the wisdom and joy of the residents while contributing with the CEO's kindness and Ruentex's professionalism in a legal and equitable manner.
The contracts with the 106 homeowners are like 106 sutras commanding exegetics. The 106 residents have 106 expectations with distinct core concerns about returning home. These 6 years were a milestone for the Company and individuals involved, and we appreciate this opportunity. We hope our dedication has proven us to be a trustworthy company. We strive to serve the community sustainably.

External Influence — Residents

Typical construction companies are evasive in such a situation. Ruentex took up responsibility post-warranty to seek mutually beneficial solutions, and I can't thank them enough.

We are incredibly satisfied and grateful to Ruentex and CEO Yin. Their business practices are not about pursuing maximum profits but improving society and corporate social responsibility.

Sincere Services

Ruentex Development is committed to "sincere customer service," conducting routine safety inspections even after the completion of construction. Ruentex Twin Stars was accidentally discovered to be a sea sand house during a routine inspection. We proactively assisted in the reconstruction of the buildings. It was the first time ever a construction company took the initiative to rebuild the community.
Ruentex Twin Stars obtained a building permit on November 10, 2015, and successfully held a handover meeting on August 4, 2018. Press and social media coverage has helped promulgate the Company's philosophy of ethical practices, bringing positive energy to society.