B International hopes to fan interest in local, overseas markets

B International and Technology, a subsidiary of leading agro giant Betagro Group, generated about Bt400 million of the group's income of Bt45 billion last year. Now the firm expects its two new products, the VenTech ventilation system and the 50inch PowerTech energysaving fan, to help double its growth next year.

The products, created in cooperation with King Mongkut's University of Technology Thon Buri and the National Science and Technology Development Agency, were officially launched yesterday.

Cherdchai Sinsarng, general manager of B International and Technology, said the firm was only aiming for 10percent growth this year - a modest target due to a slowdown in the livestock industry.

However, he said, a brighter future was expected next year because the firm believes its two new systems will boost the livestock industry.

The firm has spent more than Bt10 million on the development of these products, as well as another six projects to help boost efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

It put both products on the market in June and they have already done very well.

VenTech is goes for Bt15,000 a unit, much lower than imported versions that cost between Bt25,000 and Bt30,000, while PowerTech costs Bt12,500 a unit, much lower than imported models that go for Bt25,000. The company claims the products consume 30 per cent less energy than similar models.

The firm has sold 230 VenTech machines and 360 PowerTech fans to local farms and fresh markets. It expects to sell at least 5,000 PowerTech units by next June.

Nopporn Vayuchote, executive vice president of Betagro Group, said he hoped further research and development would reduce the cost of livestock farming and also increase export revenue.

The targeted markets are Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia, India and Pakistan, and the company is currently registering its patent and certification in the United States.

Nopporn said the firm was also negotiating an export contract with a Bangladeshi firm, and expects it to be completed soon.