BANGKOK, THAILAND (Mediabisnisnasional.com,
9 July 2026) - The Thailand Board of
Investment (BOI) approved on 8 July a USD 688 million (23 billion baht)
investment by Nestlé (Thai) Co., Ltd. to construct a smart factory and
distribution center. The greenfield project will deploy artificial intelligence
and advanced automation, positioning Thailand as the multinational's strategic
production and logistics hub for Southeast Asia.
The approval highlights
Thailand's accelerating momentum in attracting high-tech, high-value food and
beverage manufacturing as global corporations seek resilient, technology-driven
supply chains in Southeast Asia.
"This greenfield
investment will support growing domestic and regional market demand while
linking directly with our domestic supply chain," said Mr. Narit
Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment.
"By using local raw materials, helping our farmers and entrepreneurs, and
sharing knowledge, this project will boost the potential of the Thai coffee
industry and strengthen Thailand's position as a key food and beverage hub in
the region."
The new automated facility, located in the Araya Industrial Estate in Samut
Prakan province, is scheduled to start operations in the fourth quarter of 2028
with an annual capacity of 170,000 metric tons of NESCAFÉ soluble coffee,
coffee mixes, and ready-to-drink beverages. The project is expected to create
over 520 jobs for Thai engineers and technical specialists.
By integrating AI-driven systems and robotic automation, the facility aims to
maximize operational efficiency and minimize its environmental footprint. This
directly supports Thailand's Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic agenda.
Nestlé, the world's largest food and beverage company, counts Thailand among
its longest-serving markets. Its NESCAFÉ brand has led the Thai coffee market
for more than 50 years, with more than half the market share.
"Thailand has been an important market for Nestlé for more than 130
years," said Mr. Nikhil Chand, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Nestlé Indochina. "This investment reflects our confidence
in the country and our commitment to contributing positively to Thai society,
the economy, local communities, and the environment. The new facility will use
a wide range of locally sourced ingredients including coffee beans, sugar, and
fresh milk, further supporting local agriculture and economic development,”
A key factor in the BOI's approval is the project's deep integration into the
domestic economy. Nestlé will source USD 130 million (4.3 billion baht) worth
of local agricultural inputs and raw materials each yeart.
In tandem with the
manufacturing expansion, Nestlé will drive upstream agricultural development by
researching climate-resilient coffee varieties, distributing high-quality
saplings, and training local farmers in sustainable, high-yield cultivation
practice.
"Nestlé's choice to
invest in coffee production here reflects the confidence global investors place
in Thailand. It advances our strategy to become a world-leading food and
beverage production base," Mr. Narit said. "This investment strengthens
the entire coffee value chain, from farming and processing to logistics and
export. And it builds a stronger, more resource-efficient foundation for
Thailand's food and beverage industry."
(The Indonesia Business Media Editorial).
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar