- Set to complete in December 2021, the new paint factory will enhance quality, eco-friendliness, and competitiveness.
Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd. today laid the foundation stone for its new eco-friendly paint factory at Laem Chabang, Chonburi. The new paint factory is a part of a technological upgrade to Mitsubishi Motors' long-established production facility in Thailand and a part of a THB 7 billion reconstruction investment that will increase manufacturing competitiveness and eco-friendliness. In addition to the construction of the new paint factory, upgrades of the other facilities in Laem Chabang have also been planned.
Ms. Duangjai Asawachintachit, Secretary General of the Board of Investment (BOI) presided over the ceremony at Mitsubishi Motors Thailand's Laem Chabang production facility hosted by Mr. Morikazu Chokki, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
"The new paint factory is a part of our THB 7 billion reconstruction investment in Thailand. It will significantly enhance our manufacturing competitive edge. Equipped with advanced and eco-friendly technologies, the new paint factory will contribute greatly to the efficiency and quality improvement. It is a part of transforming our business towards a sustainable future," said Mr. Morikazu Chokki, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
When completed in December 2021, the 4-story paint factory on more than 21,000 square-meter property will be one of the most advanced and eco-friendliest facilities of its kind in Thailand.
Joining its Laem Chabang factory 3 – Thailand's first advanced waterborne factory in 2012, the new paint factory will use the most advanced waterborne painting system. Mitsubishi Motors Thailand will be the first automotive manufacturer in Thailand to utilize the latest eco-friendly technology in all of its paint factories.
While the current Solvent-borne paint shops are still well maintained and aligned with standards and regulations of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, Mitsubishi Motors Thailand has moved to voluntarily lower Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emission that affects human health and environment.
On the strength of advanced painting system equipped with robotics, IoT (Internet of Things), the new paint factory will drive accuracy, resulting in higher quality, better efficiency. Together with advanced technology to eliminate the left over before discharging, the new paint factory will capable to lower VOCs by 81%. To obtain a more conducive working environment, the factory will use a friction conveyor system that greatly reduces noise.
Meanwhile, wastewater from the pre-treatment process will be recycled via a Reverse Osmosis system, reducing waste water by up to 80% and raw water consumption by 80% compared with the current processes.
The new paint factory will also feature a solar-panel rooftop with a capacity of 3,000 MWh a year. This represents a reduction in CO2 emissions of about 1,707 tons a year. Together with the contribution of its Laem Chabang factory's solar energy plan, the reduction in CO2 will equivalent to nearly 6,000 tons per year.
The investment to build the new paint factory and renew all facilities underlines Mitsubishi Motors Thailand's continued commitment to Thailand. Currently, 4 core models are produced in Thailand including Mitsubishi Triton, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Mitsubishi Mirage and Mitsubishi Attrage. The company also exports vehicles to more than 120 countries. In 2019, Mitsubishi Motors Thailand raked number 1 automobile exporter.
The production upgrade in Thailand also aligns with the company's long-term strategy that includes environmental friendliness, energy saving and alternative energy, and new technologies for quality and efficiency.
Mitsubishi Motors started its operations in Thailand in 1961. In 1992, the Laem Chabang facility started and has become the automaker's largest production and export hub outside Japan. It plays a vital role in business growth and contributes to Mitsubishi Motors' development globally. The new paint factory has embarked the company's major upgrade and reconstruction to the facility in almost 30 years.
