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Published on March 19, 2008

Sales are expected to rise to Bt5.2 billion, against Bt4.4 billion recorded last year. Growth last year was just 2 per cent higher than in 2006.

Sales should increase because of higher housing demand due to tax breaks initiated by the government's stimulus package.

Automobiles and housing form two key markets, Nippon Paint president Suebphongse Poonsatha said yesterday.

Three new products will also be launched this year to boost revenues.

Higher oil prices are forcing the company to look for new suppliers of raw materials, as it needs to keep paint and coating prices competitive.

The total paint market is estimated to be worth Bt25 billion, with half belonging to decorative paints, of which Nippon is a top player.

Chelermpong Mahavanidvong, chief operation officer, said Nippon's market share was now 9 per cent but it wants to increase that to 12 per cent by launching new products.

Nippon has restructured its marketing, communications and sales division to undertake a more aggressive campaign to reach customers.

TOA is market leader, followed by ICI and Nippon.

The company plans to spend more than Bt250 million on marketing campaigns this year.

Sucheera Pinijparakarn

The Nation