Jotun Group, the manufacturer of paints, coatings and powder coatings, has pledged to increase its presence in China by offering continuous investment in the coming years.

As part of its efforts to address the growing demands of the Asian market, the group recently unveiled its powder coatings factory and regional research and development center in China.

With a total investment of 200 million yuan ($31.4 million), the new production facility for powder coatings was established at its original factory, which is located in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, and focuses on the production of protective coatings and decorative paints.

The factory in Zhangjiagang covers an area of 130,000 square meters with production capacity for powder coatings of about 10,000 tons a year.

The new R&D center will focus on the creation and development of products for coatings, paints and powder coatings that is in line with the Chinese market.

"Now China is the world's largest and fastest growing powder coatings market. The opening of these two new facilities is a strategic move for our development in China," said Bjorn Naglestad, general manager of Jotun Coatings China. He added that the production capacity of powder coatings in the Zhangjiagang factory will finally meet the goal of 14,000 tons a year.

"We have fully recognized that we are not the first one entering the Chinese market but we have the ambition to become the best because we have a clearer market position," said Julia Zhu, powder coatings business director of Jotun China.

"In addition to providing quality products, we will pay more attention to our service in the hope of adding more value for our clients," she added.

Naglestad disclosed that the company will continue to increase its investment in China in the next two years and is also planning to invest in a new factory in China.

"We have to decide where to establish the new factory -- in Zhangjiagang or another area," he said.

"We will perform as a coating expert in the market which means we not only know ourselves but also understand our clients and have a good knowledge of related fields. We will offer comprehensive solutions to our clients, such as storage and transportation," he said.

In addition to the Zhangjiagang factory, Jotun also has a joint venture company with Cosco International for marine coatings production in Guangzhou. Another facility for marine coatings production in Qingdao, Shandong province, is under construction.