V-Kool fury over Eastman twist
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V-KOOL CORPORATION Thai, which had been one of two distributors of the V-Kool heat-protection film in Thailand, has questioned the ethics of a decision by US-based Eastman Chemical Inc to select only one Thai distributor despite ongoing negotiations.
Konton Jaturapattarapanit, chief executive officer of V-Kool, said he had questioned Eastman Chemical’s CEO over the decision, which he labelled rushed and not acceptable given V-Kool’s 21-year partnership with Eastman.
Konton said Eastman had not issued any documentation about the distribution change.
He said he had even booked a prepaid booth for MOTOR EXPO 2015 in December.
“But one thing I would like to confirm is that while the commercial department of Eastman had been selling us window film through the entire 2015, the management executives of the company, on the other hand, joined a press conference to announce the change of distributorship in Thailand.
“To the day that Eastman made the public announcement, the company still has outstanding film that’s supposed to be sent to us. Unfortunately, this practice has badly affected our business and reputation, causing me to question the good governance practises of Eastman Chemical Inc.”
Konton said he had signed all past distribution contracts with Eastman and had explored the premium heat-protection film market for automobiles, resulting in V-Kool becoming well accepted by the market.“In practice for a company who has good governance, before deciding to do something that affects its partner, the company would have to coordinate with the partner in advance, including a joint communication with an exit plan for the partner to shift out of the market,” he said.
“As we have been in the business for 21 years, there are many binding commitments such as outstanding projects involving our partners and customers, warranties, claims, real estate, employees, etc.”
He added: “I actually love and care for V-Kool as if it was my own child because we were together for more than 20 years. It is not so much the change of distributorship that is disturbing, it is the way that things are being handled in the midst of so many unresolved issues.
“There’s no communication whatsoever, and I am saddened about what has happened. Now, many V-Kool film installation shops are confused about the change. The Nation requested a response from Eastman but as of press time yesterday, had not received one.
