Shantawood was incorporated in Malaysia under the Companies Act, 1965 on 9 April 1991 as a private limited company. Shantawood recommenced business on 1 January 1996 after the acquisition of Shantawood by Datuk Dr Sow Chin Chuan and Datin Chu Kim Guek in September 1995.

Shantawood was a manufacturer of wooden chairs when Datuk Dr Sow Chin Chuan and Datin Chu Kim Guek acquired the company. Over the years, Shantawood expanded and became involved in the manufacture of various wood-based products which include rubberwood furniture, rooftruss, plywood doors and wooden window frames, and provision of related services such as sawmilling, kiln drying and wood treatment.