Enhanced R&D capabilities drive PJI Contract Pte Ltd’s move up the value chain.
When Mr Philip Loh decided to develop PJI Contract’s technological capabilities in 2007, he set a new course for the specialist contractor that has been providing specialty chemical coatings and surface protection for the past 23 years.
“We wanted to grow our business through technology and not just by increasing our headcount. By investing in technology, we are able to differentiate our business from our competitors and create more sustainable growth,” explains Mr Loh, Managing Director of PJI.
Getting access to research and technology
As part of his aim to provide higher value-added products and services, Mr Loh tapped SPRING Singapore’s funding to support PJI’s acquisition of a licence for the production of a nano titanium dioxide solution developed by the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology.
This “self-cleaning” solution can break down organic contaminants on building surfaces when exposed to sunlight, and causes water that comes into contact with it to form an even layer. This allows the dirt and dust that have accumulated on the surface to be washed away easily by rain, thus reducing the frequency of exterior cleaning and building maintenance
costs.
SPRING has also helped PJI to improve its production processes by defraying the costs of engaging two full-time researchers from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).
“The scheme has allowed us to leverage the expertise of the researchers to jointly develop products and build up our in-house R&D capabilities,” says Mr Loh.
Positive results
Although the product was only commercialised in December last year, PJI has already seen positive results. So far, the company has exported the product to clients in India and the Philippines, and Mr Loh expects exports to grow from less than five per cent of the business today to 20 per cent in three years.
“This is a versatile technology and we hope to expand into more countries in the near future. Looking ahead, we will focus on marketing and raising awareness of this product to boost our sales,” adds Mr Loh.
PJI has also used the licensed technology to develop new products for the consumer market. The Delta Nano range of products, which harness the power of light to kill bacteria, viruses, and mould and eliminate odour, are now available at most 7-Eleven stores islandwide.
“We managed to convert an industrial technology into a consumer product by leveraging our R&D capabilities, thus opening up new markets,” says Mr Loh.
Key Takeaways
• SMEs can build up their R&D capabilities to stand out in a competitive market and increase revenue.
• For more information on how SPRING can help your company to accelerate innovation, please visit www.spring.gov.sg/tip
Reproduced with permission from SPRINGnews April 2013 Issue. Published by SPRING Singapore.
