08.11.05
After terminating its long-standing relationship with Nippon Paint, Akzo Nobel’s International Paint unit has officially started full business operations in Japan. The company held an inauguration ceremony in Tokyo on Nov. 1 to formally announce the creation of International Paint Japan K.K.
Now, the firm will supply its full range of newbuild and drydock products and services to both local customers and foreign flag vessels via its central warehouse near Kobe, or from regional depots. In addition to servicing newbuilding and repair yards directly, the firm will deliver other products to 82 locations throughout Japan.
“Our commitment is to provide the level and quality of service which Japanese and worldwide marine customers have come to expect both locally and globally,” said David French, International Paint’s general manager for Japan, Australasia and Korea. “Our aim is to fully understand individual customer requirements by working in close partnership with shipbuilders and ship operators to fulfill our global policy of providing customer focused solutions.”
“With offices in Kobe and Tokyo strengthening International’s global network, this exciting new venture will complete their unrivaled network of product supply and client support systems worldwide,” added Rudy van der Meer, Akzo Nobel’s board member responsible for coatings. “I am looking forward to International serving both existing and new customers through this new operation in a part of the world where we are continuing to establish a significant presence.”
International Paint Japan K.K., which was legally established on April 5, 2004, has 23 employees. Six people service Japanese ship owners and operators from the Tokyo office, which also manages all protective coating engineering sales. A dozen staff are based in the head office in Kobe which houses the newbuilding sales team, the customer order service facility and administration personnel.
Now, the firm will supply its full range of newbuild and drydock products and services to both local customers and foreign flag vessels via its central warehouse near Kobe, or from regional depots. In addition to servicing newbuilding and repair yards directly, the firm will deliver other products to 82 locations throughout Japan.
“Our commitment is to provide the level and quality of service which Japanese and worldwide marine customers have come to expect both locally and globally,” said David French, International Paint’s general manager for Japan, Australasia and Korea. “Our aim is to fully understand individual customer requirements by working in close partnership with shipbuilders and ship operators to fulfill our global policy of providing customer focused solutions.”
“With offices in Kobe and Tokyo strengthening International’s global network, this exciting new venture will complete their unrivaled network of product supply and client support systems worldwide,” added Rudy van der Meer, Akzo Nobel’s board member responsible for coatings. “I am looking forward to International serving both existing and new customers through this new operation in a part of the world where we are continuing to establish a significant presence.”
International Paint Japan K.K., which was legally established on April 5, 2004, has 23 employees. Six people service Japanese ship owners and operators from the Tokyo office, which also manages all protective coating engineering sales. A dozen staff are based in the head office in Kobe which houses the newbuilding sales team, the customer order service facility and administration personnel.
