Manufacturing Savvy

Need a Factory in Thailand? It's Already Built

March 8, 2013

While touring Thailand, I had a close up look at one of their industrial estates. These locations, often offering a free trade zone, are set up specifically to offer manufacturers one-stop amenities. The most interesting amenity is a ready-built factory. can be rented or purchased.

Adrienne Selko Blog

While touring Thailand, I had a close up look at one of their industrial estates. These locations, often offering a free trade zone, are set up specifically to offer manufacturers one-stop amenities.

The most interesting amenity is a ready-built factory. You can choose from a variety of sizes, that are either attached, which are a row of factories that share a wall, or those that are detached. Office space is included and these factories can be rented or purchased.

Water is included as is wastewater treatment. Power, in all its forms, is available and the supply is steady. (At a dinner I was informed that while other countries in Asia are unable to provide energy without blackouts, Thailand can deliver reliable power.)

So who is locating in these parks? Automotive, petrochemical and electronic makers are setting up shop. Some build their own factories, while others rent at first.

One large developer, Hemeraj Land and Development Public Co. Ltd, whose property I toured, has 531 manufacturers including 180 automotive companies, representing a total investment of $25 billion.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

Email: [email protected]

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Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.