Bangkok--Mar 27--Bangkok Public Relations
- Facility to play important and strategic role in Delphi's manufacturing footprint to serve vehicle manufacturers in Thailand and Asia.
- Delphi's first manufacturing plant in Thailand and in the first ASEAN plant to produce and supply brake calipers and fuel handling systems.
Delphi Thailand, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delphi Automotive Systems Corporation (NYSE: DPH), USA, a world leader in transportation and mobile electronics components and systems technology, today (27 March 2001) announced that its Bht. 510 million (US$ 12.1 million) manufacturing facility will be operational by September this year.
The 3,000 sq. meter plant is Delphi's first manufacturing facility in Thailand. It is also Delphi's first facility to manufacture and supply brake calipers and fuel handling systems in the ASEAN region. Located in the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate, Rayong, the facility will supply Delphi's existing and potential vehicle manufacturers based in Thailand. The project is promoted by the Board of Investment.
Delphi's fundamental business strategy is to "follow the customer" wherever a vehicle manufacturer (VM) locates. Globally, Delphi is recognised by VMs for its component and systems integration, technology leadership, quality, cost and responsiveness.
Delphi's brake caliper and fuel handling systems are the latest generation of technology that has been widely accepted by its global customers. These products have been designed to meet the customers' expectations including the various environmental conditions such as rough fuel in developing countries.
In a joint statement issued with The Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) Mr. Chakramon Phasukavanich, BOI's Deputy Secretary General, said, "Delphi is the world leader in automotive components and systems, and their decision to invest in this facility here indicates their confidence in the long-term growth of the auto industry in Thailand. Their presence will truly reinforce the country's position as the 'Detroit of the East'."
Mr. Steve Bowers, Director for Delphi's Dynamics and Propulsion Sector in Asia Pacific, said, "Delphi is investing in Thailand to meet Delphi's vision to be the preferred supplier among the vehicle manufacturers in Thailand and in the region as well as to support the country's aim to be the regional auto hub."
"The establishment of this facility to support Delphi's largest business sector, Dynamics & Propulsion, demonstrates Delphi's long-term commitment and confidence in Thailand. Delphi is also confident of the Thai government's commitment to a free and open economy," he added.
According to Mr. Ravi Khanna, President, Delphi Thailand, the auto parts produced at the Delphi plant will initially be supplied to local OEM customers. The Thailand facility will be integrated into the company's global brakes and fuel handling manufacturing footprint and aggressively pursue export opportunities.
"A major factor to set up a manufacturing facility here is that Thailand has become a base for leading Japanese, European, and American vehicle manufacturers. Delphi's business outlook for Thailand in the long-term is very good as we continue to identify and meet our customers' manufacturing needs," Khanna said.
In 1997, Delphi set up a representative office in Bangkok to build a network of support for the country's auto industry. In Southeast Asia, Delphi has investments in wholly owned as well as joint venture facilities in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore.
In Asia Pacific, Delphi has more than 18,000 employees across 14* manufacturing sites, 20 joint ventures and four technical centers in ten countries. Sales from all ventures in Asia Pacific in 2000 were over US$ 2.18 billion (over Bht. 91,560 million).
Multi-national Delphi Automotive Systems, with headquarters in Troy, Michigan, USA, Paris, Tokyo and S?o Paulo, Brazil, is a world leader in mobile electronics and transportation components and systems technology. Delphi's three business sectors - Dynamics & Propulsion; Safety, Thermal & Electrical Architecture; and Electronics & Mobile Communication - provide comprehensive product solutions to complex customer needs. Delphi has approximately 211,000 employees and operates 190* wholly owned manufacturing sites, 44 joint ventures, 53 customer centers and sales offices and 31 technical centers in 42 countries.
Notes to the editor:
1. Delphi's global customers include Audi, BMW, Daewoo, DaimlerChrysler AG, Fiat, Ford, General Motors Corp., Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Citro?n, Proton, Renault, Rover, Saab, Suzuki, Toyota, VAZ, Vauxhall, Volvo and VW Group.
2. In 2000, Delphi achieved annual sales of US$29.1 billion (over Bht. 1,222,200 million). Sales to customers other than General Motors Corp. reached 29% of total sales or US$8.47 billion (Bht. 355,740 million).
3. Last year, Delphi invested over US$1.8 billion (over Bht. 75,600 million) in R&D or an average of US$ 5 million (Bht. 210 million) a day!
* Delphi's current manufacturing sites do not include its Thailand facility which becomes operational in September 2001.
For further information, please contact Bangkok Public Relations Tel: (662) 664 9500 Chris Khoo (ext. 104) or Chatsawalee Klaiwongse (ext. 108) End.
-NM-