In Vietnam, Thai Glass Industries Plc (TGI) of Thailand plans to build a Bt 900-million glass factory. The venture, to be called Vina Glass Industries (VGI), is scheduled to begin operations by the en…
In Vietnam, Thai Glass Industries Plc (TGI) of Thailand plans to build a Bt 900-million glass factory. The venture, to be called Vina Glass Industries (VGI), is scheduled to begin operations by the end of 1998 in the southern province of Binh Duong. “TGI will hold 100% of the Bt 360-million share capital of Vina Glass Industries. We expect production to start around October,” said TGI managing director Prasert Maekwatana. The plant, with a workforce of 280 employees, would use local sand to produce 200 tons of glass per day. Mr. Prasert said the plant had tremendous potential for expansion because of Vietnam“s fast-growing consumer market of more than 75 million people. Total glassmaking capacity in the country stands at just 500 tons per day compared with Thailand“s capacity of 4,000 tons per day (of which TGI contributes 1,650 tons). The managing director also noted that the soft drink and beer markets were growing by 15-20% annually. At present, there is only one large glass container factory in the south: Malaya Vietnam Glass in Ho Chi Minh City produces 200 tons per day.