After establishing a representative office in Singapore to assess market trends in ASEAN, Hakuzo opened a representative office in Thailand in 2017, followed by a full Thai subsidiary in 2019. The BOI-sponsored company is currently constructing its first production facility outside Japan at WHA Chonburi Industrial Estate 2 (WHA CIE 2). Phase 1 will cover 3 rai out of the total 9-rai land area, or approximately 4,800 sq.m. out of a total of 14,400 sq.m., which the company purchased from WHAID in 2019.
Expected to start operations in 2021, the Thai factory will produce infection control product,adhesive plasters, push swab, sterile product, cottonoid for central nervous system, eyes stick for absorbing fluid during an eye operation, and other products for hospitals and health care agencies. Initially producing gauzes and bandages for medical treatment, the Osaka-based company’s business expanded to include a wide range of products from fighting infectious diseases to caregiver supplies.
Mr David Nardone, Group Executive Industrial and International, WHA Industrial Development Plc., commented: “We are pleased to welcome Hakuzo Medical Asia to WHA CIE 2. This investment enhances the development of the 12 S-Curve industries in the EEC, which includes medical products and services. It is also a timely response to the rising health concerns and people’s awareness for medical and hygiene products due to the COVID 19 crisis."
Mr. Koichiro Sasaki, Managing Director of Hakuzo Medical Asia, declared: “We visited several industrial estates before selecting WHA CIE 2. The WHA team was knowledgeable, helpful and experienced. Thanks to its long relations with other international customers, it provided us with sound advice which saved us a lot of time, effort and headaches.”
“Thailand is well positioned in the region’s center, plus our plant’s location is only a 90-minute drive from Bangkok,” added Mr. Sasaki. “Another advantage is we can source 70% to 80% of our raw materials locally, with an objective to switch totally to local procurement in the future.”
When production starts, Hakuzo Medical Asia will first serve the Thai market before gradually exporting its products to Japan, Taiwan and ASEAN countries.
