Sanitaryware maker targets home remodelers
American Standard Sanitaryware is targeting renovated homes for an increased source of income to replace revenue from newly constructed residences.
The latter has plunged this year because of the economic downturn.Norman Livingstone, managing director for baths and kitchens, said modernised homes made up just 25-30 per cent while new builds were on the rise during the past few years. This year, however, renovations are expected to rise to 50 per cent of the market as new homes and condominiums are considered the high-spending option. American Standard expects to achieve 3-per-cent sales growth to Bt2.5 billion this year and is spending Bt100 million on marketing, rising 60 per cent from last year, targeting the high-end and middle-status market. It has allocated Bt25 million to renovate its 20 major showrooms nationwide, with further renovation to about 100 showrooms planned for next year. American Standard's products have a European style and use German technology. Nitida Asawanipont, The Nation
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