Duffel, October 2008 --- Reynaers Aluminium, a leading European supplier of innovative and sustainable architectural aluminium solutions, is expanding its geographical presence by opening new offices in Asia in Mongolia, Thailand and Australia in 2008.
Extension of its geographical presence is one of the key routes chosen by Reynaers to support its growth in the coming years. In this context, Reynaers has decided to extend its presence in the fast growing regions of Asia by opening new offices in Australia, Thailand, and Mongolia.
Reynaers’ presence in China started with a joint venture (JV) with Donglin in 1995 which soon became a leading producer of window and door systems in China. Growth of the JV led to the establishment of an office in China in 2003 and to the foundation of Reynaers Aluminium (Changzhou) Co. Ltd. in 2005. The office today employs more than 30 employees, incorporating local sourcing, component production and sales and marketing in the region.
Strong demand and realisation of multiple projects in other SE Asian markets soon persuaded Reynaers to adopt a strategy of establishing offices in Thailand, Australia and Mongolia, mainly due to local differences in markets.
Thailand
As a historically open country for foreigners, Thailand has been exposed to both western and eastern cultures and has become a popular destination for retirement or as a 2nd home for foreigners, especially Europeans and Americans. With that came a positive attitude towards top quality building products and materials which manifested itself in a strong preference for quality fenestration and façades.
Among other projects, Reynaers is currently involved in the development of the Riverside Garden Marina residential compound, one of the largest luxurious real estate development projects in Bangkok. It includes three 36 storey tower buildings, each offering 260 serviced or un-serviced apartments and condominiums varying from 62 to 182 m2 each.
Riverside Garden Marina
Australia
Reynaers’ presence in the fenestration market in Australia has evolved gradually since 2004. This market has seen a recent shift towards more energy efficient fenestration products. It is a progressive country that prides itself in its environmentally friendly national policies. The fact that Australia has joined the Kyoto agreement should boost Reynaers’ growth in this market in future.
Reynaers has already successfully carried out tests and performed thermal ratings for several thermally insulated windows & doors and sliding systems in Australia in 2008.
Recently Reynaers Australia joined the Australian Window Association. The AWA is made up of over 400 window manufacturers and industry suppliers throughout Australia.
Products from an AWA member have been tested to Australian Standard AS 2047 and are made to withstand Australian conditions.
Mongolia
The landlocked Mongolia is one of the most remote countries in the world, but has seen a recent emergence of its economy in industries other than the more traditional mining, agricultural and tourism sectors. The growth has now also hit sectors such as real and commercial estate and service industries. Extreme temperatures, ranging from -50° C to +40° C, create a strong demand for high-insulation quality products. After several successful projects in Mongolia, Reynaers has recently decided to open an office in Ulaanbaatar.
A current project is found in the striking 15 storey Monnis office building in the CBD of Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar. On completion it will be one of the highest buildings in the city at more than 70 meters. For maximum insulation, the architects chose Reynaers’ CW 50-HI facades, covering a total glazed surface of 9 000 m². The project has a strong international flavour, being developed by Mongolians, designed and built by Koreans, glazed by Belgian technology and supported by Reynaers China.
Mr. Albertas Jerusevicius, Regional Manager for China and SE Asia, is excited about the future of Reynaers in the region: “We have penetrated these and other markets in the region slowly and carefully over several years. We know the quality of our products and we know that we can make a significant contribution to uplifting levels of quality in both products and service in the business we specialize in. This is our challenge.”