The latest meeting of the Automotive Focus Group (AFG) combined the AGM with a presentation on the industry, and followed by a networking around the Nova Platinum pool in South Pattaya.
The new committee for 2015 saw the return of Frank Holzer, who as president oversaw a resurgence of interest in a special interest group such as the AFG which managed to arrange 13 events during the 12 months of 2014.
Futuris (Thailand) GM Chris Van Der Merwe.
Frank’s new committee is a mixture of old hands and new members ready to give their all to the AFG. They are Frank Wieand, Richard Jackson, Seb Robertson, Manita Boontham, Chaiyant Savanachai, Armin Walter and Ken Hinckley. Acceptance of the new committee was universal.
The presentation was given by Chris Van Der Merwe, the GM (Thailand) of Futuris, a company that began in Australia in 1967 making seats and which is now in China with seven factories, North America, and is currently expanding into the Indian market. Futuris has also been chosen to make the seats for Queensland Rail in Australia.
Chris spoke glowingly of the Tesla manufacturer where Futuris was chosen to make the seats for the new Tesla S. The output has escalated and “superchargers” are in place all over America. These will recharge the battery on a Tesla S in 30 minutes. An incredible advance for the electric car company.
According to Chris, who has been to the Tesla factory, there is a Model X SUV coming, designed to be a car for the masses. And yes, it will have Futuris seating and interior trim.
The local branch of Futuris began in 2011 to service Ford, AAT and GM. Now the Rayong factory exports to seven countries and has a workforce of 900, with 550 members of staff involved in the “cut and sew” alone, though the frames have mainly a robotic assembly.
Chris stated that part of the success of Futuris in Thailand has been through creating a culture encompassing safety, lean manufacturing and continuous improvement. Employees are encouraged to report hazards, with 2,100 separate occasions reported. This has resulted in a very low turnover.
Following the lecture and Q&A the AFG members gathered around the pool and discussions went well into the evening.
Contact with the AFG can be made through the President Frank Holzer email [email protected].
