Ton Company would like to wish a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year to one and all. The 10-year old company has started 2011 in style with a move to a brand new office space, more than double the size of the previous unit, in a statement building on the main Ao Nang – Krabi Road (Thanon Susaan Hoi).

With a large glass façade, this two level “loft-style” office unites the company’s full 20-strong team under one roof. The ground floor houses the reception area, with the villa management, accounting and IT staff; while the mezzanine level accommodates the architecture and construction team, as well as a conference space and a dedicated showroom for construction materials and samples.

The location, 3km from the beach in Ao Nang, makes the office easy for clients to get to; and there is ample parking space on the ½ rai plot. “We now have 60 completed projects in the Ao Nang area,” says Pierre-Yves Loriers (Ton), the managing Tondirector of the company. “Not only were we looking for more room for our expanding workforce, but also somewhere that gives us greater visibility and a higher profile, in keeping with the direction the company is going.”The building certainly makes a statement; and functionally it allows the “one stop shop” vision of Ton Company to be easily achieved.

“We have always tried to make things as straightforward as possible for our clients,” explains Ton, “so we offer everything from help to find the initial plot of land; through all aspects of the project design and construction; right up to the maintenance, marketing and rental of the finished villa.”

In the coming year, Ton Company intends to stay focused on this core business and continue to provide quality in an increasingly competitive market. “Our work eclipses that of less experienced firms because we invest in properly qualified people. Each of our employees has been hand-picked for the position, and offers a wealth of experience and expertise in his or her field,” says Ton (see box, right).

“And, as all our work, even construction, is carried out in house, this creates continuity and the shared vision our clients expect and deserve for their project.” Ton Company expects the custom build property market to further strengthen in 2011. “We see more and more people coming from Phuket and looking to build a villa in Krabi. Relatively the prices are still much lower here; and you get a lot more land – and therefore privacy – for your money,” says Ton.

“The other advantage of Krabi is that you have fabulous views everywhere, not just along the coast. Inland, with the mountainous terrain, and a little imagination, it’s possible to find some stunning locations for a holiday home – and often at bargain prices.” The company’s first big project of this year will be a development of luxury sea view pool villas along the Ao Nam Mao coastline. The design is set to be in a very traditional Thai style, though these elements will be combined with modern materials and techniques. Ton Company will handle all the design and construction, as well as the future rental program, through the website www.krabivillas.com.

“We anticipate that the villa rental market will continue to grow in 2011,” says Ton. “We are seeing strong bookings for all of our current properties: 2010 was our best ‘Green Season’ to date. The general trend, following the lead of Phuket, is away from hotel rooms and towards private, fully serviced accommodation.

“With 10 years of experience in the Krabi area, we can offer fairly accurate forecasting both for project budgets and for rental income, meaning less risk for the client. That’s one New Year prediction you can count on!”