Established for 26 years in Japan, France“s ARC International has initiated a joint-venture with the Japanese distribution company Shibata. The French tableware giant says the operation fits perfectl…
Established for 26 years in Japan, France“s ARC International has initiated a joint-venture with the Japanese distribution company Shibata. The French tableware giant says the operation fits perfectly into its strategy of working to get closer to customers and developing internationally. The partnership translates into the creation of a distribution subsidiary: ARC International Japan. Shibata is a family owned business located in Mizunami. The company achieved a turnover of EUR 6 million in 2004 and has been collaborating with ARC International since 1996. As a tableware wholesaler, Shibata distributes 60% glassware products and 40% food service dinnerware (Japanese-style stoneware and porcelain). The company has a staff of 28. ARC International Japan has an office in Tokyo where the Sales, Marketing and Accounting/Finance functions are based, and another unit in Mizunami which controls logistics, sorting, sales management, packaging, and IS. Through the creation of the joint-venture, ARC International will move closer to customers and simplify its distribution network by avoiding intermediaries. Additionally, the group will improve its vision of the market, which will allow it to improve product availability and respond more efficiently to consumers“ demands. Other advantages include quality improvement through the sorting of products according to local standards, and marketing intelligence which will allow the group to offer the products best suited to the Japanese market.