DHL, the global leader in logistics, will spend 50 million euros (1.96 billion baht) on its supply chain business in Thailand over the next two and a half years, cementing the firm's position in its fastest-growing Asia-Pacific market.
Graham: Confident in Thai market
Investment in new facilities, transport and talent development is expected to create 2,000 jobs here by 2015.
"The investment is a reflection of our own growth and also the confidence we see in Thailand's growth," said Paul Graham, chief executive of DHL Supply Chain in Asia-Pacific.
New facilities include a second automotive campus on the Eastern Seaboard opening in 2013 to serve rising demand in the Thai car industry.
Kevin Burrell, managing director of DHL Supply Chain (Thailand) Ltd, noted that the country is one of the top 10 global car producers, with demand being driven by the government's first-time car buyer rebate.
A facility will also be built in Bang Na to support continual growth in the retail, fashion and consumer sectors that account for 60% of the company's revenue. The transport fleet will be expanded to cover 11 million kilometres a month.
Mr Burrell said a shortage of truck drivers is a likely future problem. The company aims to respond by offering good benefits and training that enables career development opportunities.
Over the last three years, DHL Supply Chain (Thailand) doubled its headcount to 9,500.
"More customers are changing towards outsourcing services, which we can cater to," said Mr Burrell.
Mr Graham said the government should continue to invest in infrastructure to aid the free flow of goods and services in the region.
Part of Deutsche Post, DHL Supply Chain set up its Thailand business in 1995. It operates in 60 countries and has annual revenue of 12 billion euros.
The company expects to double in size over the next two to three years in Asia-Pacific, where it employs 7,300 workers and operates 930,000 square metres of warehousing.