Toshiba investing Bt2 bln in new Thailand air-con plant

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PATHUM THANI, May 21 – Toshiba Carrier (Thailand) announced a new investment of Bt2 billion for its second air-conditioning unit plant at this central province’s Bangkadi Industrial Park.

The new plant is set to double the capacity of the older Toshiba factory in the same area, covering an area of 19,100 square metres. The investment affirms Japan’s confidence in investment in Thailand and will support higher buyer demand.

The new production unit will produce 97 per cent of its output for export, according to Managing Director Akio Ozaka, and will focus on commercial air-conditioning units and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air-conditioning systems.

“This plant will be Toshiba’s biggest air-con production base. It was planned since before last year’s flood,” said Mr Akio.

He said the company was confident in Thailand’s flood prevention system and thus moved forward with the project.

The first production line will start in February next year for export to 55 countries worldwide.

Meanwhile, Toshiba Thailand’s chairwoman Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said the investment reflected the company’s confidence in investing in the country.

Bangkadi Industrial Park itself created confidence among investors by building flood embankments within its area, which the industrial park claimed to be able to withstand heavy waterflows for another 70 years. About one-third of the wall has been completed, and the remaining portion is to be finished by August.