Among ASEAN countries, we think Vietnam’s industry is moving forward on new growth cycle, remarked Mr Apirak Chotsasitorn, General Manager of TOSTEM THAI Co., Ltd. in an interview with Vietnam Business Forum. Nam Pham reports.
Can you give a brief introduction about TOSTEM THAI Co., Ltd? What is the key factor leading to success as a trustful manufacturer?
TOSTEM THAI is a member of LIXIL – Group, which established in 1923. TOSTEM THAI is renowned for manufacturing of aluminum extrusion, which products are sash windows, entrance doors, other building materials and aluminum OEM products.
We’re biggest Japanese aluminum extruder who provides all service same as Japanese market to ASEAN market. We serve high quality standard to all clients and hard-trial to challenge more in any difficult fields.
What are assessments on your targeted customers and the growth of the market for TOSTEM’s products?
Until last year, we exported our OEM products to our customers in Vietnam. But from October, 2014, our new factory in Ho Chi Minh has started full operation. Now we shifted production from Thailand-factory to Vietnam-factory. The proportion of domestic market is 10% and the rest for export market.
Among the countries in ASEAN, we think Vietnam industry is moving forward on new growth cycle. Foreign investors need more support in term of taxation for domestic sales in Vietnam that can urge Vietnam economic. Our domestic sales proportion target is 50%.
Toward the implement of AEC, what is the perspective about opportunities and challenges in automotive industry in Aean region, and in Thailand & Vietnam in particular. What is the plan of TOSTEM to cope these opportunities and challenges? We built and started new factory in Ho Chi Minh for taking great opportunities when ASEAN become to AEC. We plan to maximize both factories for ASEAN and ASIA markets in term of production. For sales strategy plans, we separate to 2 countries sales team, but we manage both by one in Thailand. Our customers can get same products and services from both.
We also participated in Vietnam Manufacturing Expo 2016 organized this April in Hanoi to display aluminum heat sink which was produced by high technology skill of R&D team, and these products have a reputation for excellence.
Vietnam is labeled as the dawn of motorization, what is your opinion about the important of high technology and skilled employment to enhance the manufacturing industry in Vietnam?
Due to Vietnam economics growth, Vietnam industry will need more high technology skills to serve in all sector that can built Vietnam industry strengthen.
Vietnamese
