Polykemi is expanding to Thailand

Polykemi Group is expanding with an eleventh company: Polykemi (Thailand) Co. Ltd. The Group has established a local office and is continuously evaluating the possibilities for a future production facility for plastic compounds based on high-quality virgin and recycled raw materials.

Expansive vision for the future

Five years ago, Polykemi began reviewing the Asian market and developing a long-term strategy. With two production units and two sales offices established in China, production capacity for the Asian market is strong. The next step in the plan is to increase local sales presence specifically in the Thai market.

“We have established a local office in Thailand and will supply materials from our factory in Kunshan, China. Depending on how our local sales in the region develop, a future production facility in Thailand may become a possibility, says Magnus Lindahl, CEO for Polykemi Asia.

However, operations in Thailand have already begun.

“We’re currently renting an office in Rayong where we’ve hired two people in sales and one in finance/HR, who have already started working on site,” says Magnus Lindahl.

Closer to the Japanese market and a stronger global position

Starting up in Thailand was the natural step to take. It enables faster and more direct service to customers in the region which improves our possibility to support and advice locally.

“Establishing a presence in Rayong will bring us closer to both existing and prospective customers. What makes Rayong particularly interesting is that we will have the opportunity to strengthen our position with Japanese end customers, especially suppliers to the Japanese automotive industry,” says Magnus Lindahl.

A third production unit in Asia would also be expected to have a global ripple effect.

“Our presence on three continents enables us to serve customers worldwide with the same high-quality materials based on virgin or recycled plastic. We have customers in the US and Mexico with suppliers in Thailand, which we will be able to work much more closely with from now on. A future factory in Rayong would strengthen Polykemi’s global position,” says Magnus Lindahl.

Regardless of the market, Polykemi Group always strives to give the highest priority to safe workplaces and a strong corporate culture. Photo from the 20th anniversary in Kunshan, China.

Setting up a new unit requires a strong corporate culture

In order to achieve long-term viability, Polykemi is placing great emphasis on social sustainability during the initial stages of operations in Rayong.

“As a family-owned business, Polykemi’s ambition is to foster a sense of family and a healthy corporate culture. When we started operations in China, we put a lot of effort into navigating what was for us an entirely new society. Today, this means our employees and their families enjoy health insurance should they fall outside of China’s own health insurance system, for example due to a move. This has resulted in very low staff turnover in China. We’ll be looking at the possibility of similar initiatives in Thailand,“ says Magnus Lindahl.

“No matter where in the world you come across us, you can be sure Polykemi is committed to being a safe employer and a responsible supplier.”