Swarovski to build presence in Indonesia

SINGAPORE (JP): Established in l895 by Daniel Swarovski in Wattens, Tyrol, Austria, Swarovski is now a leading manufacturer of full cut crystal. The company, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, is run by the fourth generation of its founders. Their core products are, crystal, gem stones, crystal chandeliers, giftware and souvenir items, lighting systems as well as synthetic and natural stones.

Dr. Hans Piker, Vice President Operations for Swarovski's Asia-Pacific region told The Jakarta Post that the company has 17 manufacturing units and 44 sales companies worldwide, including in Argentine, Brazil, China, Thailand, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Canada and the United States.

"At present, the company's turnover reaches about S$1.69 billion worldwide," he stressed. The Asia/Pacific Rim's contributes about 20 to 30 percent of the total turnover.

In Singapore, Swarovski set up business in l984 in order to markets to Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei Darusalam.

"We plan to open new representative offices in other ASEAN countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia," he said.

This region, he added, is a potential market as middle-upper class groups are growing rapidly due to economic progress.

"We have quite a large number of loyal clients in Indonesia including bridal designer Kim Thong who designed a special bridal gown for Miss Universe l994 recently," Piker said.

The crystal in the bridal gown was produced by Swarovski, he proudly added.

"We are so optimistic that we will build a good business in Indonesia in the near future," he concluded. (raw)