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Peter Rietveld of Klafs Saunabau GmbH & Co.
What are your responsibilities within your company?
I am the company’s export sales director, responsible for direct sales and looking after distributors and agents with my colleagues.
What products/services does your company provide to the wellness industry in Asia? We supply layout concepts, interior design, manufacturing of sauna, steam bath, showers, snow cabins, sanariums, caldariums, sudatorium, laconiums, aroma baths, sole baths, massage tables, dry float systems etc, fo use in spa and wellness centres, hotels, beauty farms, day spas, cruise liners, fitness centres etc.
Are your products available throughout Asia?
Yes, they are obtainable either direct from the factory or through our partners in Asia.
How do you overcome potential conflict with your distributors in meeting the end users, which is what you will be doing at Sibec Asia? Our business of spa design and interior design as well as the products are highly specialized and they deserve the term "made in Germany".
Construction in Germany in comparison to other countries is different; therefore we assist our distributors and must stay close to each other in order to be successful.
What advice would you give to new suppliers in the region about selling to different areas within Asia pacific? I would always seek partnership with the mother company, to be willing to learn and use the product, to make sure you understand the business.
The partner / distributor are the eyes and ears of the main company in a different country. They understand the mentality and the way of doing business. The main company carries the knowledge and the craftsmanship our customers are looking for.
What do you expect from your time at SIBEC ASIA? Why are you coming? Since I believe that coming one time to an event is not enough, this is my second time to SIBEC Asia. I would like to meet people the second time, also the ones I haven' t seen before. It takes some time to adjust to the event philosophy.
What benefit has your company derived by your attendance at SIBEC Asia before?
The first visit was bearing already fruits, since we had the opportunity to do direct business with one of the buyers.
Delegate: Peter Rietveld
Job title: Head of Sales Export Worldwide