Swarovski to build presence in Indonesia

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)