BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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cargo tank coating that allows greater flexibility, long-term
performance and improved vessel utilisation.
In the Drydock concept, Jotun collects data and utilises
digital tools, providing coating solutions to optimise vessel
performance. In 2018, Jotun launched SeaStock Management
Solution, to ensure shipowners receive predictable performance
and control on operational expenditure. Finally, Jotun recorded
record high sales of Hull Performance Solutions, which enables
reduced fuel costs and corresponding emissions. Looking ahead,
product development will continue to play an important role in
Jotun’s offering alongside enhanced data analytics and decision
support tools.
Jotun Powder Coatings
Jotun’s growth in the Powder Coatings segment was slowed
by challenging conditions in the Middle East, particularly in
Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Currency volatility in Turkey led to
drop in volumes while stagnant market conditions in Malaysia
and Thailand impacted sales growth in 2018. Jotun performed
better in high growth markets such as India, Indonesia and some
countries in Europe. There was also rapid growth in Russia,
corresponding to increased activity in domestic manufacturing.
Jotun works to differentiate itself from competitors through
product innovations. In 2018, Jotun launched a range of
powder coating solutions for engineered and natural wood.
Other launches included Primax Diamond, a powder coating
solution for diamond cut or machined alloy wheels, and
Reveal Era, a superior durability solution for electrical and
control cabinets used in demanding service conditions. For
manufacturers of appliances, Jotun now offers Reveal Edge+, a
high performance, thin film range of metallic powder coatings.
Jotun has invested in value added services to gain market
share, and offers dedicated service and support teams to help
applicators identify ways to run lines more efficiently. Going
forward, Jotun is working to raise the company’s service level to
reduce lead times for delivery of both products and services. The
Board is confident that by focusing on improved response times,
tailored solutions, new applications and premium products, the
segment will achieve better results in the coming years.
4. Research and development (R&D)
Jotun R&D has its headquarters in Sandefjord, Norway, with
a global network of regional laboratories in the UK, Turkey,
Malaysia, Thailand, the US, Dubai, India, South Korea and
China. While most of their work is related to regional product
development, adapting or customising existing products, R&D
centres are also responsible for the testing of raw materials,
quality assurance, and providing claims and verification services
when required.
Jotun’s R&D function is also responsible for meeting the
growing demand for healthier, more environmentally friendly
paints and coatings and responding to new or pending
regulations. For example, limits on the use of Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs) and biocides in China and South Korea
have required extensive work to adapt a broad range of primers,
topcoats and intumescent coatings in the Protective Coatings
segment. In Europe, coatings manufacturers must comply with a
number of EU regulations limiting the use of potentially harmful
substances, including VOCs. In addition, there are various other
local regulations that products must comply with.
Jotun continues to invest in personnel, equipment and
facilities in all regional laboratories to meet increasingly strict
regulations, Jotun’s own internal chemical policy and evolving
customer preferences.
5. Competence development
Jotun works across all segments and regions to develop
personal and collective competence with a unified approach. In
addition to on-the-job training, Jotun provides a broad range of
competence development programmes through Jotun Academy.
The Academy encompasses many different programmes, with
around 400 trainers interacting with between 3 000 and 4 000
delegates every year. In addition to live training seminars and
workshops, Jotun has invested in a broad range of digital tools
to build competence.
Jotun delivers online training to the company’s 7 500 PC
users in several ways. Through Learning Gateway, Jotun offers
more than 400 e-learning courses, covering everything from
Corporate Responsibility to product tutorials, finance routines
and anti-corruption policy. To help unify the organisation,
Jotun also offers virtual English language training and cultural
awareness courses online. Competencies are also reinforced
with targeted nano-learning modules. By leveraging digital
tools, Jotun can increase efficiency, improve sharing of best
practices, and enhance the development of both digital skills
and specific job competence.
Jotun is also working to build competence through the Short-
Term Assignment programme, which provides a framework
for employees to work in other countries. Global mobility
strengthens Jotun’s culture of sharing expertise to build a
competitive, flexible and attractive internal labour market.
Group Competence Development also provides a structured
platform in support of training programmes developed by
different segments and functions internally. In 2018 a new
Sales Competence Forum was established, including members
from all segments. Looking ahead, a major focus area will be
to develop sales training to strengthen the use of best practice
tools and techniques across Jotun.
6. Health, safety and the environment (HSE)
Goals and activities
All of Jotun’s activities are carried out in accordance with local
laws and regulations, and Jotun HSE requirements. Systems
and training programmes have been implemented to prevent
occupational illness, promote good physical and psychological
well-being, safeguard life and property, and reduce Jotun’s
environmental footprint. Jotun Group, including our production
companies, is certified according to ISO 9001, 14001 and
OHSAS 18001.
According to Jotun’s HSEQ Management System, every
company within the Group delegates responsibilities according