Akzo Nobel Launches International Paint Japan

Citation

(2005), "Akzo Nobel Launches International Paint Japan", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 52 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2005.12852bab.029

Akzo Nobel Launches International Paint Japan

Akzo Nobel Launches International Paint Japan

Akzo Nobel's International Paint business, reported to be the world's largest supplier of marine and protective coatings, formally initiated operations in Japan with the launch of International Paint Japan. The launch was marked with an inauguration ceremony in Tokyo following the establishment of the business as a legal entity on 5 April. International Paint had previously supplied products on an “indirect” basis.

International Paint Japan, which has 23 employees, will supply its full range of newbuilding, drydocking and seastores products and services to local customers and foreign-flag vessels. Products will be supplied from the company's central warehouse near Kobe, or from regional depots. In addition to servicing newbuilding and repair yards on a direct basis, delivery of seastores products to owners' vessels can be made to 82 locations throughout Japan, the company said.

David French, International Paint's general manager for Japan, Australasia and Korea, said the launch would help meet the company's aim “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”.

Rudy van der Meer, Akzo Nobel's Board member responsible for Coatings, said International Paint's offices in Kobe and Tokyo would strengthen the business's global network of product-supply and customer-support services. He said the new business in Japan will serve existing and new customers “in a part of the world where we are continuing to establish a significant presence”.