The Hindu Business Line : Jotun launches new paint, says 8% growth on target

NEW DELHI: During recession, when people are cutting down on non-essential expenditure, painting one's house would be the last thing on mind. But, the slowdown notwithstanding, paint maker Jotun India has big plans to increase its retail stores across th e country.

By December this year, the company, part of Norway-based Jotun, is planning to increase the number of retail stores to 250 from 170 now, Jotun India, General Manager (Decorative) Mr Percy Jijina said.

These exclusive Jotun stores would be a one-stop shop for all the requirements of customers wanting to get their house painted. From consultancy to technical support to whether a particular paint is suitable for the climatic conditions of the city, the c ompany trained staff at the stores will have the answers to all of them.

The company which adheres to the European VOC norms for eco-friendly paints, will open most of these stores in Delhi NCR and south Indian states - Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.

Jotun India, which opened its manufacturing plant is Pune in 2005, hopes to achieve a growth of 8 per cent by 2010. “We are pretty much on the target and the slowdown hasn't impacted us much. In the decorative paint category we have a market share of 1.5 per cent,” Mr Jijina said. - PTI

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