Automation and robotics upgrade eyed at Hemaraj

Automation and robotics upgrade eyed at Hemaraj

Thailand Digital Big Bang 2017 displayed robotics. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill
Thailand Digital Big Bang 2017 displayed robotics. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill

At least 30 companies, mostly at the Hemaraj Industrial Estate, have expressed interest in upgrading their manufacturing systems via automation and robotics, says Industry Ministry Uttama Savanayana.

The sentiment lines up with government attempts to encourage more companies to switch to robotics to raise demand and spur new investment in the sector, one of the 10 targeted industries in the government's Thailand 4.0 scheme.

Mr Uttama said robotics and automation can help reduce costs and increase accuracy and sufficiency in the modern industrial sector, particularly in the government's flagship Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

He said increasing the use of robotics will help generate 12 billion baht in new investment over the next several years.

Investment value in robotics is expected to rise to 200 billion over the next five years.

"Higher use of robotics means more investment in the sector, which can create added value for the economy," said Mr Uttama. Eight companies have submitted investment applications to the Board of Investment to secure incentives.

Jareeporn Jarukornsakul, chief executive of WHA Corporation Plc, Thailand's largest developer of built-to-suit logistics facilities, said one of the 30 companies helping facilitate the robotics switch is Australia-based Anca Manufacturing United -- a robot maker.

She said Anca Manufacturing's decision to invest in Thailand demonstrates that foreigners feel confident pumping money into the country, helping usher in the 4.0 era.

WHA has 800 factories under its umbrella, half of which are expected to gradually start making the robotics shift.

"WHA expects to see real investment in the EEC by the second half of 2018. During the first half of next year, investors will get their preparations under way after seeing a clear cut policy from the EEC bill, which is due to be implemented by the end of this year," said Ms Jareeporn.

WHA projects its total revenue this year will reach 13 billion baht from the sale of developed industrial land totalling 1,400 rai, which it attributes to the government's accelerated investment.

She said the government's stimulus policy has entailed bringing in new customers to start buying land and investing in new projects, particularly from Japan and China.

WHA's four core businesses are logistics, industrial facilitation, utilities and power, and digital.

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