Protective coatings company Jotun (Sandefjord, Norway) has decided to restructure its U.S. business, with the new setup designed to ensure that customers are served accurately and efficiently through improved logistics and products developed for the U.S. market.
The change in setup in Texas and Louisiana means that the company’s production site in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, USA will be closed. Jotun Paints Inc., which operates as the U.S. subsidiary, will be headquartered in Houston, Texas, USA, where it will serve current and future U.S. customers.
Products will be supplied from Jotun factories overseas, while product development remains in the United States.
“We look forward to offering a product assortment optimized for the U.S. market to better serve our customers’ needs,” says Bjoern Wallentin, company president. “Our new, agile organization will also offer improved delivery service.”
Jotun Paints Inc. says it has struggled over time with costs, adding that it believes the company’s restructuring will support future growth ambitions in the United States.
“Jotun’s team of dedicated chemists continue to develop new products especially tailored to serve market needs in the U.S.,” Wallentin says. “Our ambition is to create new growth and increase both sales and market shares.”
Approximately 65 employees will remain employed by Jotun Paints, Inc.
“We are sincerely grateful for the efforts put down by all our U.S. employees, many of who will remain employed,” Wallentin says. “Those who will be made redundant due to the closing of the site in Belle Chasse will be offered financial support as well as assistance to find new employment.”
Source: Jotun, www.jotun.com.