Founded as a partnership in 1965, Kian Ann initially traded
in a broad range of spare parts which included second-hand tractor
parts for resale to the shipping, construction and logging industries.
By the early 1970s, the company focused on distributing tractor
and other earthmoving equipment parts, in anticipation of
a boom in infrastructure development within Asia. This foresight
enabled the company to expand and successfully fill a market
niche.
The 1980s marked a period of steady growth for Kian Ann as
infrastructure development in Singapore and the surrounding
region gained momentum. As market demand grew in sophistication
and complexity, the company began importing parts from original
manufacturers and reputable replacement parts distributors
in Europe and Japan. Warehousing space was also increased
so that sufficient stocks could be carried to ensure timely
delivery to customers.
By the early 1990s, Kian Ann’s
product range had grown to encompass 150 brands over 100,000
item lines. The company
also actively recruited additional professionals to strengthen
its management team, and embarked on the computerisation
and
integration of its inventory control, accounting and management
information systems.
In 1996, the company was awarded one of the top 50 local
enterprising companies in the Enterprise 50 list. The same
year, the company became the first local independent distributor
in the industry to be listed on the Mainboard of the Singapore
Exchange. Positive reviews from investment analysts and media
reports sparked enormous interest in the initial public offering
of Kian Ann shares which resulted in a subscription rate of
30.4 times, a record for an IPO at that time.
In 1999, Kian Ann consolidated its warehousing, distribution
and office operations under one roof by relocating to its
present premise – Kian Ann Building – a 5-storey
complex covering a total floor area of 263,000 sq feet.
Through diligence, hard work and foresight of the founding
members, Kian Ann has grown from its humble beginnings as
a trader of various kinds of spare parts, to become a reputable
public listed company.
Today, Kian Ann distributes more than
1.3 million item lines covering over 270 brands from 220
suppliers to dealers and
end-users in the global market.
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