Toshiba to continue investing in Thailand

       Toshiba Corporation of Japan insists it will continue its investment in Thailand,which is a candidate for an LED lighting production base next year.
       "Thailand is the most important production base and marketing arm of Toshiba because it makes products for the whole world, while China only serves the domestic and Japanese markets,"chairman Atsutoshi Nishida said during a meeting yesterday with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
       Toshiba increased its focus on Asean and expects its Thai operation will export more to Asean and the six countries that have free trade agreements with the 10-member economic bloc.
       Toshiba entered the Thai market through a joint venture with Thai partners 40 years ago. It has 16 subsidiaries in Thailand with total turnover of US$2.6 billion and 13,000 employees.
       The newest subsidiary, Toshiba Storage Device (Thailand) Co (TSDT), will open its hard disk drive (HDD) plant in Navanakorn Industrial Estate Zone 3 on Oct 14. TSDT has registered capital of about 1 billion baht.
       Apart from HDD, Toshiba is considering setting up a large new production facility for LED bulbs. Toshiba Thailand has had a lighting production facility for 35 years.
       Mr Nishida told Mr Abhisit that Toshiba had long focused on energy-saving businesses. Toshiba in Japan has already invested in nuclear, thermal and solar power, and electrical appliances that use less energy. It is also trying to curb carbon dioxide emissions.
       Mr Abhisit said Toshiba's business strategy was in line with Thai government policy, which values environmental issues and alternative energy investment.
       Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, chairwoman of Toshiba (Thailand) Co, the local distributor of Toshiba appliances, said the parent firm's policy meant it would reduce CO2 emissions from home appliance production units and also from product design and production procedures.
       Sales of Toshiba (Thailand) in the first half of fiscal year 2009 starting on April 1 grew by 11-12%, compared with an earlier projection of 8%. Marketing activities with dealers and consumers to celebrate its 40th anniversary in Thailand contributed to the rise.
       The company expects sales in the second half will grow by 20% because of new product developments and an improved economy.