Penta brings colour to Point Fortin
Managing director of ANSA Coatings Limited Roger Roach is concerned that foreign paint distributors are enjoying an unfair advantage in the local market. He is calling for local paint to be used on all government projects.
“Our industry now seems to be facing a clear and present danger, driven by what may be perceived by some as less than fair competition,” Roach said in his address at the launch of the Penta Paints’ Point Fortin Colour Studio on Tuesday evening.
He said he supported recent calls by the T&T Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) and the Joint Consultative Council (JCC) in its call for the government to work closely with stakeholders to ensure there is more local content in state-funded projects.
“We support and welcome the passing of Procurement legislation and will support this new government in its developmental plans for economic diversification which in our mind, must have at the forefront a direct policy for increasing the role of local manufacturing companies,” Roach said.
He told guests at the launch, which included Point Fortin Mayor Clyde Paul and National Security Minister Edmund Dillon: “We are deeply concerned that foreign paint distributors with limited investments in capital and human resources within T&T were being specified and mandated to be used on government funded projects.”
He described it as a critical situation which he hopes the government will investigate and rectify.
“Our local coatings industry has an estimated annual turnover of over $300 million and we employ over 600 persons. We have over $400 million invested in property, plant, inventory and equipment and contribute tremendously to beautification and development of our communities,” he said.
Dillon and Paul thanked Penta for choosing Point Fortin to make their investment. Pointing out Point Fortin is the town that oil built, Dillon said with the economy contracting and energy prices on the decline diversification must be pursued.
Paul asked Penta to assist local artists to paint murals to make the borough beautiful once again. He also encouraged them to paint the walls of the Mahaica Oval which is in need of a facelift, saying it will have a dual effect of enhancing the aesthetics as well as providing free advertisement for Penta.
The Penta Paints’ Point Fortin Colour Studio is the second such outlet being operated by franchise holder Selvyn Lewis. The first is in San Juan. Lewis said this new outlet is particularly meaningful for him, because he is from Point Fortin, although he left 15 years ago to study and embark on a business career.
He has partnered with former OWTU branch president at Trinmar, Ernesto Kesar, in the venture.
Taken from: Trinidad Guardian
Story by: Yvonne Webb
Date: Thursday 01st October, 2015
Page: A19, Business
Link: http://www.guardian.co.tt/business/2015-10-01/penta-brings-colour-point-fortin
