Seagate announced in a press statement that this was the third consecutive year for the Theparak site to receive the honour.

"This recognition represents our employees' commitment to continuous improvements in safety and environmental performance complying with corporate requirements," said Peerapol Wilaiwongstien, Seagate Theparak executive director and plant manager.

"All of us at Seagate are very proud to be working at one of the country's leading manufacturing operations, one in which a strong emphasis is placed on employee safety and protecting the environment."

Seagate's safety performance over the past two years was evaluated by officials from both the Labour Protection and Social Welfare Department and the Safety Inspection Department.

The facility assessments covered a broad scope of safety-programme elements.

These include safety policy, safety management, workplace safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene

as well as  the overall working environment.

Officials from the Samut Prakan Labour Protection and Social Welfare Department verified the first round of the assessment process at the provincial level.

Each element must score above 90 per cent to qualify for a second round of assessments for this prestigious national award.

"This prestigious award recognises Seagate's commitment to protecting employee health, safety and welfare, as well as protecting the environment and setting an example for local industry," said Peerapol.

Seagate's Theparak facility has received several other government accolades, including the Year 2006 Drug-free Plant Award.