Mascot is a Danish manufacturer of high-grade labour uniforms for all industries, including canvas shoes and other protective devices for the European market, Denmark being the largest market. Mascot has started construction on its largest investment project, dedicated solely to export products, in Hai Duong Province. The Danish Minister for Cooperation Development attended the ground-breaking ceremony of the Mascot garment factory, which will create 400 jobs for local residents.
On April 25, 2007, Ms Ulla Tornes, Danish Minister for Cooperation Development, chaired the ground-breaking ceremony for the Mascot project in Hai Duong Province, which consists of a garment factory and a bonded warehouse to store materials for distribution to Mascot facilities worldwide. Ms Ulla Tornes said: “Mascot is the first Danish company to invest in Hai Duong Province. This is clear evidence for the keenness of Danish companies to invest in Hai Duong Province. I strongly believe that other investors will closely track Mascot operations in Hai Duong Province. As far as I am concerned, this project not only creates jobs for the Hai Duong Province garment industry, but makes Hai Duong a Mascot global material distribution centre when Mascot builds a bonded warehouse here.”
Mr Phan Nhat Binh, Chairman of Hai Duong Province People’s Committee, expressed his pleasure at Mascot’s decision to invest in Hai Duong Province. He said: “The Mascot project will significantly contribute to the social and economic development of the province. We always give top priority to foreign investor projects in our province. At present, Hai Duong is home to more than 149 foreign investors from 21 countries. We are very glad to have the first Danish investment with the Mascot high-grade garment factory.”
Is this an exemplary model for companies? Mr Michael Grosbol, CEO of Mascot International, said: Our project not only has business meaning for the Vietnamese garment industry. We are glad to contribute to the overall development of the Vietnamese economy and create jobs for the local people, because this is a dedicated export project.
Mascot pledges to make the best international standard products. Therefore, Vietnamese staff will be carefully trained in both career and management skills. “For us, workplace safety is our top priority. Our ambition is to build Mascot Vietnam into an exemplary company with attractive salaries and excellent working conditions,” Michael Grosbol added.
The Hai Duong Province project of Mascot Vietnam Company comprises a garment factory and a bonded warehouse, together becoming a global production and distribution centre for Mascot. In the initial phase, the project will be built on 1.2 ha and employ some 400 people in Hai Duong Province.
“The project is designed by Royal Haskoning Vietnam and is executed by Vietnamese contractors. Haiphong City-based Minh Duc Company won bids of staking, while Hai Duong Province-based Seico Company will install the pre-engineered steel factory,” Mr Thomas Bo Pedersen, CEO of Mascot Vietnam, said. “At present, we are in the process of selecting contractors for the main part and equipment suppliers.”
For years, Mascot has worked with suppliers in Vietnam, China and the Middle East. The Mascot factory in Vietnam will manufacture specifically designed products for primary clients. Mascot Company development will include expanding cooperation with Vietnamese suppliers. The factory is scheduled for official operation from February 2008, with the second phase beginning in a few years.
Doan Phuong
Vietnamese
