Bangkok--Mar 23--Spark Communications
Increases production capacity to supply the regional tourism industry
Duni, the world leading trendsetter for meal service and food packaging solutions, has announced its Bht 40 Million investment for a new injection molding building in Prachinburi, which will increase its total annual production capacity to at least 5,000 tons per year. The investment aims at supplying more products for the growing demand of the region and supporting Thailand’s tourism industry with international-standard concepts and solutions. The opening ceremony of the new injection molding building will take place on March 16, 2005.
"We have received a great response to our products in Thailand and throughout Asia & Pacific,” said Mr. Roland Grohmann, Regional Director-Asia & Pacific. “To reinforce our commitment to the market and provide the best solutions for our customers in airlines, hotels, caterers, restaurants and retail, we have decided to enhance our production.”
Duni established its own manufacturing in 3 continents; 3 plants in Europe, 2 plants in USA and another one for Asia&Pacific in Prachinburi. With these production units, Duni can supply a wide range of quality food and beverage service products and comfort items for Asian countries.
“Thailand is experiencing strong economic growth, particularly in the tourism, hospitality and aviation industries. This new investment is driven by demand in food solutions for travelers and the launch of the new Bangkok International Airport, which is expected to be a gateway to other countries in Asia & Pacific”
Mr. Grohmann says, “One of our key products and services is for the travel industry or people on the move. As the market leader, with an estimated 20% market share in this region, we produced about 650 Mio pieces of various rotable and disposable products in Prachinburi to serve the travel-related industry in Thailand and Asian countries in 2004. We project that our market share will increase with the downstream growth of this industry”
Duni Asia & Pacific grew by more than 40% last year with Duni Co., Ltd. (Thailand) exceeding Bht 700 Mio in annual sales. The new investment is expected to further enhance its position within the ASEAN markets.
“The investment is consistent with Duni’s strategy of growing our market share in Asia & Pacific. Our businesses in this region, especially in the travel segment have demonstrated strong growth in profitability and are well positioned to benefit from continuing favorable market conditions,” added Roland.
Duni’s factory in Thailand is located on a 57,000-square meter plot of land in the province of Prachinburi, 150 kilo meters north-east of Bangkok. It is ISO 9001:2000 and HACCP certified and employs over 400 people.
There are six specific production areas on site for injection molding, thermoforming, aluminium pressing, cutlery and condiment packing, tissue & airlaid converting and sewing. With this, Duni produces rotable and disposable plastic products, tissue & airlaid napkins, non-woven comfort items, tray liners, aluminium casseroles and condiment sets.
About Duni
Duni is an international company that offers products and services that enhance the preparation, transportation, presentation and serving of meals. The company provides solutions to any eating or drinking occasion, whether it be at home, in a restaurant, at a hotel, “on-the-go,” while travelling or within the food service industry.
Founded in 1949, Duni is owned today by EQT, a private equity group. From its Head Office in Stockholm, Sweden, the company oversees operations in 26 countries, 6 production units, and about 3,600 employees. In 2003, the company’s main markets of Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific produced net sales of 615 million EUR.
For more information, please contact:
Jarinthorn Thanasinlapakul, Rungnapa Chanviset
Tel: 0-1803-3757, 0-1494-8131
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