Astec Paints: Export Japan

.We Have Japan Covered

Astec developed two paint technologies that were new to Australia: EC-100, which has remarkable insulating/waterproofing properties and EC-2000, which has unique elastomeric/waterproof ability, which stretches and contracts with variation of temperature and substrate movement.

It was these two technologies that first interested the Japanese and now, eight years later, through a distribution network, over 100 export products are sold in Japan.

Products and systems for waterproofing concrete decks, balconies and restoration of facades was the primary need in their market and after several seminars in Japan discussing these needs and presenting our complete systems a trusting relationship developed.

Astec Paints Japan website: www.astec-japan.co.jp

..Mark Waters & Toru Sugahara

.Export Update - 2nd February 2004
	One of the ways we support our relationship with Astec Japan is to host an annual Astec sight-seeing tour of completed projects across Australia. This year we hosted 20 Japanese guests (of which 16 were potential new distributors), 5 existing distributors (just brushing up on new products and applications) and 3 staff of Astec Japan, including the CEO Mr Toru Sugahara. After arriving safely in Brisbane they began a tour of coastal high-rise projects that Astec supplies product to directly from Adelaide. They looked at Waterproofing and tanking on balconies, flat deck roofing and underground car parks as well as Waterproofing Renders for these projects. They also looked at Interior Finishes in apartments and Texture and Renders on sea front projects. Many projects in QLD are now over 10 yrs and they wanted in particular to see the products’ durability in seafront conditions. Next it was on to Victoria, for the popular tour of Yallourn Energy Cooling Towers. Delegates on their second and third visits are still requesting this tour for the unrivalled performance of EC-2000 as the final topcoat on a full concrete restoration system. On to Adelaide and a lovely coastal viewing of job sites, particularly Acrylic Textures. Some of the group were builders and were very interested in our architecture and display homes using these products and the application of same A presentation was held at the Hyatt Regency with special guest, Mr Chris Rees, Austrade’s State Manager, who surprised the guests with his speech in fluent Japanese so well presented that his Japanese jokes had the group in hysterics. Each guest received a Dedication to Product Knowledge Award, handed out by Astec Paints Managing Director, Mr Mark Waters. Astec Japan employees received the 2003 Excellence Award for Sales and Marketing letting them know that they are our number one export client.
Group Photo @ Yallourne, Vic, Cooling Towers

Toru Sugahara, Chris Rees & Mark Waters

Nishio, Yohei Dobashi, Toru Sugahara

.Astec Japan Growing Strong
Sales for export in this quarter are triple those of the same quarter last year! This is attributed to Japan’s record sales (the result of a well thought out marketing campaign prior to Christmas). Through our study tours and introduction to Astec Product and history in Australia, Astec Japan has won significant waterproofing jobs for metal and asbestos substrates. Testimony to the successful outcome of this latest visit is another trained group of distributors. With their dedication and commitment we have an even wider representation in Japan. Astec Japan has increased its warehouse facilities, in effect doubling their import capability. Astec Japan has also reported an increase of 30% in sales compared to last year. EC-100 SM still continues to be Japan’s top seller, however there is growing demand for a number of others including Waterproof Render SG for use on roof decks and other waterproofing applications. Because of its insulating properties EC-100 Tropic is the preferred waterproofing topcoat by the energy-conscious Japanese, particularly this year when Japan has had one of its hottest summers. Armaflex SM is in constant demand for both walls and roofing. After 13 years of recession Japan is in recovery with 6% growth in both the last quarters. Banks are still offering 0% loans as Japan has been in negative inflation for some time, so with this market confidence companies are making good use of borrowed money. Consumer spending is up with household spending showing the greatest increase at 5.6%. Japan has got the renovation bug and DIY mentality years after the Hardware store boom in the west. Our Managing Director on his last visit there saw several display villages supported by the emergence of Decorator Stores.
	Japanese Banquet - Grand Opening of Astec Japan..

	Japan, Tokyo City..