Aapico Hitech PCL, a major Thai auto parts manufacturer, plans to set up a joint venture with the Mint Group from China to supply auto parts to automobile manufacturers in Thailand. This joint venture is the first synergy in the Thai automobile industry between a Thai and Chinese company.

According to a release from Aapico, the company has agreed to set up a joint venture with Sinoone Holdings, which is part of the Mint Group. The new company will be called Mint Aapico (Thailand) and have a registered capital of 178.5 million baht. Aapico will hold a 40 per cent stake while its Chinese partner will hold 40 per cent.

The company will design, manufacture and market rolling and extrusion part for automobiles. The products will be made at a new plant to be built on a 100-rai plot of land (160,000 qm) at the Amata City Industrial Estate in Rayong. There will be 200 employees, and Aapico said the company has already received an order form a major client.

The synergy is reflective of an important strategic alliance between Thailand and China in terms of increasing global competitiveness, as well as Aapico’s business growth.

Aapico believes that with the alliance it would be able to raise its capability in production technology and expand product line-up, which would lead to a wider customer base and introduction of new products for the Asean market.

Autobiz, vol. 7, No. 71 February 2008

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