Leading paint manufacturer aims to unveil over 1,500 Multicolor Centres in the region by 2011

Jotun Paints, one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of paints and coatings, has announced the launch of the 1,050th Multicolor Centre in the Middle East, as part of its ambitious plan to establish over 1,500 Multicolor Centres in the region by 2011. The leading manufacturer’s commitment to help customers choose the right paint products and translate their personal style to their home or office space, is underlined by its efforts to expand the reach of its Multicolor Centres, which also comprises of ‘Inspiration Centres’ - a store concept that targets a niche market of quality-conscious families and consumer-oriented interior designers. Erik Aaberg, Executive Group Vice President, Jotun Paints, recently inaugurated the newest Multicolor Centre in the presence of top company officials and other guests. Located in Al Barsha, the newly launched Multicolor Centre is the 96th in the UAE and is called the ‘Atlantis Inspiration Centre’.

During the inauguration, company representatives also revealed that the expansion of the Multicolor Centres is in line with Jotun’s aims to increase its retail market share by 2011. Among the key features that has been driving the success of the Multicolor Centre as a concept in the region includes the ‘Colour Bar’, which offers clients with a total of 950 colour samples; and the ‘ColourAdvisor’, wherein customers can choose from a colour palette on display and see how the colours’ will look in different environments, furniture settings and under different lighting conditions.

“The correction in the prices within the real estate sector is an indication of a healthier market in the near future, and we are expecting to further drive the ‘Do-It-Yourself’ (DIY) concept in terms of home decoration among local and regional customers,” said Eirik Kristensen, Regional Marketing Manager - MENA, Jotun Paints. “We have launched 1,050 Multicolor Centres in the region and this is a testament to the growing success of this concept. With more people now involved towards the decorative process of their homes themselves, demand for both interior and exterior paints from end consumers will increase, and this is an opportunity that we want to leverage.”

In addition to an extensive display of colour options, the new Multicolor Centre will also provide assistance and advice to customers with the help of a team of paint experts who have extensive knowledge of Jotun paint products and interior designing. Keeping in mind the specifications laid down by the customer, the team elevates customer satisfaction by letting the customers have a first hand experience in using different paint techniques, textures and colours for exterior and interior paints.

”Our goal is to help end-users create a unique ambience through our range of vibrant and user friendly paints, which we have formulated to address their specific requirements. The contribution of Multicolor Centres in our regional expansion efforts has been significant, and we are optimistic that this will play a major role in our overall growth strategy,” concluded Kristensen.

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About Jotun

Founded in 1926 in Norway, Jotun - one of the world’s leading paint manufacturers established its presence in the Middle East in 1974, with Jotun UAE Ltd. Ever since, Jotun has expanded dramatically throughout the region and is the first paint manufacturer to be awarded the ISO 9001 certification. Jotun has consistently invested in state of the art factories including the recently opened plant in the Al Quoz area of Dubai, UAE - the biggest worldwide for Jotun and the Middle East.

Jotun has been at the forefront in terms of developing products specifically suited to local conditions. Three decades of experience in the Middle East region, has helped the company produce a variety of conventional and specialized coatings - each incorporating the latest technological developments while offering performance with economy - catering to the various product segments and demands of the different markets. Today, Jotun’s diverse product range includes Decorative, Protective, Marine, Floor/Concrete Protection, Powder Coatings and Intumescent coatings, bearing a solid testament to the company’s reputation of being truly a single source solution for clients, consultants and contractors alike.

For more information, please contact:

CommuniGate Middle East

PO Box 66861, Dubai, UAE

Tel: +971 4 3988134

Fax: +971 4 3988137

Email: info@communigateme.com

Website: www.communigateme.com