Packaging
Huhtamaki inaugurates state-of-the art flexibles plant in Thailand
Monday 24. November 2008 - Huhtamaki, the Finnish consumer packaging specialist with worldwide operations, has today inaugurated a second state-of-the art flexible packaging plant in Samutsakorn, Thailand.
The new plant is uniquely positioned and specially designed to be the best in packaging hygiene. Robust food segment export market growth and the need for a sustainable, profitable business model were the key drivers for expanding the constrained production capacity in Thailand and capture market potential. The festive inauguration ceremony at the new plant was attended by Finnish Ambassador in Thailand His Excellency Mr. Lars Erik Backström as well as CEO Mr. Jukka Moisio, Senior Vice President Flexibles and Films Asia-Oceania Mr. Suresh Gupta and General Manager Thailand Mr. Chaiyot Chanyam from Huhtamaki.
“This investment supports our strategy to focus on packaging operations where we have a competitive advantage, good market positions and which create value for Huhtamaki and our customers. The Asian retail market is expected to grow approximately 10% annually and with our new production capacity we can serve our customers in their local and export driven growth even better”, says CEO Jukka Moisio.
The new manufacturing facility is located close to the existing plant in Samutsakorn Industrial Estate in Samutsakorn. The EUR 17 million investment decision was made in early 2007 and the facility was completed on schedule with first commercial productions in July 2008.
“In Thailand, we already have a 10 % share of the broader flexible packaging market and are market leaders in food packaging. We have a great team in Thailand and their good work has driven business growth, but recently they were facing capacity constraints. The new plant in Thailand is manufacturing sophisticated flexible packaging in a world class hygienic environment and now improves and increases our offering for our discerning customers,” says Suresh Gupta, Senior Vice President Flexibles and Films Asia-Oceania.
“We are able to transfer the know-how from our units in Germany and India to our locations in Thailand, Vietnam and New Zealand. For example, the retort flexibles capability in Thailand was developed as a joint project with Huhtamaki experts from Germany, Italy, India and Thailand”, says Chaiyot Chanyam, General Manager Thailand.
Huhtamaki has been present in Thailand since 1997.