Kiattana Transport to list on MAI on September 18

       Kiattana Transport, a specialist in carrying petrochemicals and dangerous substances, will raise capital for expansion in neighbouring countries by listing on the Market for Alternative Investmetn on September 18.
       "We're looking for new areas of services and marketswhere there is potential for growth," managing director Kiatichai Monsereenusorn said yesterday.
       The proceeds from selling 40 million inital public offering (IPO)shares at a par valre of Bt1 apiece will be used for extending the company's transport and logistics services,especially to Vietnam from Laos and Cambodia, which it already serves, as well as for working capital.
       The company also has high hopes the listing will help it increase and diversify its customer base.
       The IPO will raise its paid-up capital from Bt160 billion to Bt200 million.
       Kiattana, which has relied on only two clients for half of its business-Padaeng Industry and Vinythai-has tried to seek more clients to reduce its risk from cancellations by those clients. Now ithas succeeded in lowerin sales from major clients to 38 per cent of total sales, from 49 per cent last year.
       Kiatichai said wholly owned subsidiary Chemtrans would help diversifty its parent's customer base away from large clients. This is not cannibalism, because Chemtrans's clientele, focusing on fuel and energy products, is different from that of its parent.
       Chemtrans this year has started delivering natural gas for vehicles (NGV)to a major producer."There is potential for growth in NGV transport services, because of higher demand from the transport sector buoyed by the rising price of crude and refined oil,"he said.
       Part of the company's policy is to support PTT's expansion plan for NGV stations in Bangkok and upcountry, from 303 now to 400 this year and 595 in 2012. This will be an opportunity for the company to grow.
       Kiattana provides complete transportation services for zinc, heavy metal, chemicals and dangerous goods with a fleet of more than 300 venhicles, including 10-and 22-wheel lorries, trailers and rescue lorries.
       It also links its six regional branches in Rayong, Ayutthaya, Kamphaeng Phet, Samut Prakan, Saraburi and Tak provinces to the head office in Bangkok with an advanced online system.