10
OUR BUSINESS
JOTUN GROUP
THE POWER OF DIVERSITY
Jotun believes in strength through diversity. By building an organisation rich in different nationalities,
cultures, gender, products, segments and customers, the Group develops market understanding and
competitive advantages that benefit all our global stakeholders.
Jotun employs individuals from more than 88 different
countries, encouraging an open and inclusive working culture
whereby everyone, regardless of gender, race or belief, is
accepted and encouraged to fulfil their potential. This benefits
the business on a multitude of levels. It creates a positive
workplace and builds market reputation, while giving Jotun a
broad-based wealth of knowledge, understanding and ideas
that help us cater to the complex demands of the dynamic
global marketplace. Jotun will continue to invest in developing a
talented and varied workforce, delivering a competitive edge for
both the Group and its customers around the world.
INDIVIDUAL UNDERSTANDING
As a paints and coatings manufacturer active in four different
segments, Jotun’s customer base is remarkably diverse. On
any given day, Jotun employees interact with a broad range of
end users, from shipowners to real estate developers, interior
designers to energy companies, appliance manufacturers to
steel fabricators, and many, many more. At the same time,
Jotun is active in more than 100 countries all over the world,
where the company works with customers representing
different business cultures, ethnicities and religions.
Meeting the needs of so many different end users in different
markets requires more than expertise on the technical merits
of different paints and coatings systems; Jotun personnel
must understand the specific needs of customers in different
industries. Also, some projects may involve stakeholders from
many different countries, requiring Jotun project teams to
cooperate across borders and time zones to secure contracts.
And finally, even companies operating in the same industry
may have different business objectives, there is no ‘one size fits
all’ solution.
COMBINED STRENGTH
Managing Jotun’s regional and segment diversity represents a
genuine challenge, but also helps mitigate financial risk. For
example, while low demand in Saudi Arabia impacted sales of
Jotun Powder Coatings, the segment performed well in Sweden,
the Czech Republic, India, Vietnam, Turkey and Indonesia.
Likewise, weak demand for new ships and offshore installations
slowed growth for Jotun marine and protective products.
However, strong growth in the Decorative Paints segment helped
the company achieve positive overall growth. By leveraging both
segment and regional diversity, Jotun can secure overall growth,
even when some regions or segments underperform.
Jotun celebrates the opening of a new factory in Myanmar.
From left, Thiha Aung Ding, May The Win, Odd Gleditsch d.y.
Chairman of the Jotun’s Board of Directors, and General
Manager, Jotun Myanmar, Vo Chi Linh.