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Published on March 26, 2008

Director Kalin Surawong Bunnag said the hotel would focus more on penetrating the Australian and US markets.

   The hotel also aims to host more wedding events and increase wedding-related revenues by 30 per cent from the previous year.

Shoes for school

Tri Class Thailand, manufacturer and distributor of Girly Gang student shoes, plans to invest Bt30 million in pro-active marketing activities to tap the back-to-school season.

   It will launch a new shoe collection for students. The shoes will be priced between Bt239 and Bt269, considered an appropriate rate for consumers coping with the current economic slump.

   The firm expects to achieve Bt300 million in sales this year.

   Managing director Prasert Tangchaiyasit said the shoe market for students was expected to be worth Bt2.5 billion this year, up 5 per cent from last year.

Hitachi optimistic

Hitachi Sales (Thailand) has set aside Bt400 million for its marketing plan this year.

   Last year, Hitachi increased sales by 7 per cent, gaining the highest market share in the refrigerator and vacuum cleaner categories. Its washing machines are also popular and it ranks among the top Japanese brands.

   Hitachi is seeking to increase sales by 10 per cent, or Bt3.5 billion, and gain a 10-12-per-cent share of the overall market that is valued at Bt30 billion.

   Under the new plan, it will promote refrigerators, washing machines, air-conditioners and vacuum cleaners.

Mead Johnson blitz

Mead Johnson will invest Bt500 million to strengthen its Enfa A+ brand this year with the launch of "Enfa A+ Miracle of Symphony Fairy Tale".

   It aims to reinforce its leadership ranking in the premium powdered milk segment, reportedly worth Bt13 billion.

   It plans to boost sales by 10-15 per cent this year.

   Its local general manager Jorge Pinedo said the premium segment continued to enjoy about 5-10 per cent growth a year.

Housing projects

NC Housing expects sales of Bt2 billion by launching three new residential projects worth Bt2.2 billion this year, up 17 per cent from Bt1.7 billion achieved last year, deputy managing director Somnuek Tanthathoedtham said.

   He believes the company will record a net profit this year after posting a net loss of Bt61.57 million last year.

The Nation