The world's No-1 producer of large scroll compressors - a vital device in air-conditioning systems - Emerson Climate Technologies doubled its capacity in Thailand last year to 1.7 million units.

Emerson Electric Thailand has been touting its latest technology for more structurally advanced buildings, which often demand the latest technology.

In Thailand, two air-conditioner makers, Saijo Denki and York, have adopted Emerson's latest technology - introduced here 18 months ago - said Mark Dunson, Emerson Climate Technologies Asia's vice president for marketing.

Emerson's Copeland digital scroll allows developers the chance to centralise their air-conditioning system. Teerawut Chanyasak, marketing manager for unitary air conditioning in Asia, said this minimised the starting-ups and shutting-downs which inflate electricity bills.

Education is vital to the firm's marketing, said Duncan, who praised the Thai government for its initiatives on energy efficiency.

The conglomerate has five factories in Asia.

The Chinese factory caters to the local market which makes up 30 per cent of Emerson Climate Technologies's US$2.4-billion (Bt82.9 billion) sales in Asia-Pacific, leaving Thailand to supply the rest of the region.

Of the Rayong factory's output, only 15 to 20 per cent is sold locally. Despite the economic slowdown, Dunson believes the Thai operation, with expected growth of 5 to 10 per cent, is treading along just fine, thanks largely to continual growth in Europe.

Ki Nan Tsui

The Nation