The growing populations and economies of the Asia-Pacific region produce increasing demands for safe and durable transport and infrastructure.
In addition to operating environments of vehicles reducing their effective service life, variable climates—from tropical coast lines through alpine highlands to sulphurous steam in active tectonic areas—can also be damaging to any truck, ute or car. By using a high-build, rapid setting form of surface protection, the service life of a vehicle and associated vehicular equipment can be extended, in addition to reducing maintenance and repair costs.
Rhino Linings Australasia (RLA) produces a range of premium spray-applied lining and coating products that provide maximum protection against corrosion, scratches and dents. The coatings form a permanent air and water-tight bond that inhibits rust, corrosion and surface abrasion.
In order to promote the expertise and proximity of Australian companies supporting the automotive and transport markets, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) rganised a 'road show' to several countries in SE Asia with the assistance of Austrade.
According to Denis Baker, International Sales Manager at RLA, Rhino Linings had joined the trade mission at the invitation of the AAAA.
“We were grateful to be asked to participate in the mission and work with the staff of the Association and Austrade and leverage their wealth of knowledge and experience to open a number of opportunities for us,” he said.
RLA had been investigating expanding its international sales for some time but participation in the SE Asia road trip accelerated the process. Taking in Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, Baker was able to meet with a range of companies in the automotive industry during a major trade exhibition in Taipei as well as private meetings with manufacturers and potential applicators in Da Nang and Bangkok.
While in Bangkok, Baker finalised the training for RLA's first applicator in Thailand and was introduced to a major European automotive company that has a large facility on the outskirts of the Thai capital.
“Our technically experienced staff in Australia share almost the same time zone as Asian and Pacific customers so we can communicate easily,” Baker said. “We can also ship product to the region from Australia in weeks, rather than sometimes months it can take coming from the central states of the US.”
In addition, if RLA support staff are needed on the ground, it is possible to fly direct from Brisbane to most major Asian capital cities. If necessary, RLA can also call on the expertise of its overseas counterparts for specialist advice.
In Jakarta, RLA concluded the required technical training for the Indonesian technicians, with the local applicator completing an order for 41 mine-spec buses destined for West Papua and other Indonesian mine sites. In addition, RLA is shipping product to Indonesia for another large project that is underway.
While setting up the Thai Rhino Linings applicator, RLA was approached by an organisation in Fiji that was interested in being the Rhino Linings representative for that region.
“We have been using the opportunities we have been given to great effect,” Baker said. “The first project we will be working on in Fiji is for 30 vehicles and a factory floor of 1,500 square metres.”
In addition, RLA is looking at automotive and flooring projects, along with other commercial/industrial opportunities on the main island.
“Rhino Linings' foray into the South East Asian and Pacific region has been very successful,” Baker said. “It is important to be seen as a proactive SME in Australia and seize every opportunity.”
The company's dealers and applicators—in whatever country they operate—have access to the same product range. Rhino manufacture all products on the Gold Coast and ship to dealers and applicators throughout the region.
RLA assists its dealers in developing best method procedures and practices for chemical handling and machinery used to apply the company's products. The company is committed to the development of new technologies, products, and services that offer the best solutions to the needs of customers, applicators and distributors throughout the Asia Pacific region.
“I would strongly encourage any business or organisation in Australia operating in the automotive sphere to make use of the resources that the AAAA and Austrade has available and make the effort to expand their activities in other countries,” Baker concluded.