Sanyo Electric opens refrigeration plant in Chachoengsao
A presenter poses with the Sanyo Silicone Plus dry-cleaning machine recently launched by Sanyo SMI (Thailand). The product targets industrial clients, including hotels and launderettes.
|
|
|
Sanyo Electric, the Japanese appliance manufacturer, has strengthened its presence in Thailand with the opening of its first refrigeration system factory in Chachoengsao.
Worachat Senivongs Na Ayuthaya, managing director of Sanyo SMI (Thailand), the company's sales and marketing arm, said a new subsidiary - Sanyo Commercial Solutions (Thailand) - would operate the Bt150-million factory, which opened last month to produce professional refrigeration systems. Sales will be conducted through Sanyo SMI (Thailand), and to OEM (original equipment manufacturing) to other vendors under their own brand names. About 40 per cent of the production at Chachoengsao will be for export to markets such as the Middle East. Domestic customers for professional refrigeration systems include modern retailers such as Tesco Lotus and FamilyMart and coffee and bakery chains Starbuck and Thai Yamasaki. With registered capital of Bt15 million, Sanyo SMI (Thailand) has been operating here for almost 10 years. Sanyo Electric of Japan holds a 49-per-cent stake, while 51 per cent is owned by Thai investors, including International Engineering chief executive officer Sumit Champrasit. "We will raise our registered capital by about 50 per cent in the next three to four months," said Worachat. "The move will allow Sanyo Commercial Solutions (Thailand) to hold a share in the company and strengthen the business relation between sales and factory arms. By being a shareholder, Sanyo Commercial Solutions will be more efficient in working with its sales and marketing arm and supply a greater variety of refrigeration systems to meet local requirements and demands." Yesterday, Sanyo SMI (Thailand) also launched its first dry-cleaning machine - the Sanyo Silicone Plus - in Thailand to target industrial clients, including hotels and launderettes. Imported from Japan, the Sanyo Silicone Plus is priced at Bt3 million and has a cleaning capacity of 16 kilograms of clothing with a claimed world record of 35 minutes per wash. "The Sanyo Silicone Plus dry-cleaning machine has been created so that it is environmentally friendly," said Worachat. "It works with silicone dry-cleaning oil that decomposes in soil within one to four weeks." Sanyo SMI (Thailand) expects overall sales in its fiscal year ending next March to reach Bt250 million, up from Bt200 million last year. About 70 per cent comes from refrigerator systems, and the remainder from dry-cleaning machines. Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn, The Nation
|
