A part from major contracts, Jotun Saudi Arabia was busy during the first half of 2001 with marketing campaigns, product seminars and training sessions.

The company also upgraded its production facility in Jeddah and honoured its dedicated staff, while receiving accolades itself.

Its new brand campaign, titled Jotun - No. 1 in Paints, was launched by general manager Tor Johansen early this year. At the launch, Johansen and marketing manager Venkat Krishnan explained the significance of the brand building activities to the company's staff.

The new corporate slogan will be displayed on shop signs, banners, on the overalls worn by factory and delivery staff, on company cars and vehicles, office stationery, outdoor media and brochures.

At its annual Awards night, several Jotun employees received awards for demonstrating loyalty, integrity and commitment towards their work. The awards were for the outstanding employee, best performance, long service, and environmental safety.

Product application training was carried on for both sales staff and applicators.

National sales manager Shafique Siddiqui organised several product application seminars for painters and decorators in Jeddah. "Special products such as Jotun's Stucco Antica require intensive application training on surface preparation, mixing, applying and polishing to achieve the right finish," Siddiqui says.

Also, Jotun's entire sales team was put through a rigorous paint application training session on a hot afternoon to ensure that they are well equipped with product knowledge, both theory and practical, on site-spraying of high-quality Jotun products.

Meanwhile, Jotun upgraded its production facility in Jeddah with a new giant mixing tank, on the heels of an increase in business volumes.

"Saudi Arabia is witnessing positive growth thanks to stable oil prices and Jotun's sales teams in Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam and Jubail have been busy with increased activities in the market," says Venkat.

"The new vessel is capable of producing 10,000 litres at a time and it is currently being used for decorative products," he says. "Since the start of this year the decorative business has seen an upturn and several production and sales records have been broken."

And Jotun added another feather to its cap when the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry gave Jotun a certificate of honour for its contribution to the paint industry.