Bangkok--6 Nov--Siam PR Consultant Lohakit Metal Public Company Limited, a leader in integrated stainless steel processing, that has shown continuous positive growth, prepares to list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in order to finance further expansion and strengthen its long-term competitive advantages. Prasarn Akarapongpisak, Managing Director of Lohakit Metal Public Company Limited, disclosed details of his company’s move to seek listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), saying that Seamico Securities Public Company Limited has been appointed as financial advisor to handle the process. “Lohakit Metal PLC was established on April 12, 1989 under the name of Lohakit Metal Service Center with fully paid-up registered capital of 20 million baht. The company operates a business pertaining to selling of stainless steels. The company’s founding majority shareholder is the Akarapongpisak family. The Company also has two subsidiaries namely Auto Metal Co., Ltd., and D-Stainless Co., Ltd. The companies operate an integrated operation of stainless steel processing using supply chain management to guide purchasing of raw materials, processing, product distribution and services,” he said. With regards to the operation of the company and its subsidiaries, their lines of business are as follows: — Procuring, processing and distributing cold-rolled stainless steel and stainless steel sheets — Manufacturing and distributing polished stainless steels for structure and decoration industries — Processing and distributing zinc coated steels — Providing services pertaining to Hairline No. 4 polishing of rolled stainless steels — Providing services pertaining to cutting, drilling and rolling of stainless steels to customer’s desire — Providing services pertaining to supply chain management using “iSerlution” system — Manufacturing and distributing stainless steels used in the automotive industry, for use in the manufacturing of car and motorcycle mufflers (Auto Metal Co., Ltd.) — Distributing “D-Stainless” materials (D-Stainless Co., Ltd.) Products manufactured by the company can be used in various industries namely electrical appliance, automotive, construction, computer, food and petrochemicals. The strength of Lohakit Metal PLC includes strong network of customers, experience and expertise, and Supply Chain Management by iSerlution. The company helps increase efficiency for various industries through a role of Synergy Plus, Solution Integrator and Industry Database with vast product variety to cater to customers’ need. “As for the overall picture of Thailand’s stainless steel industry, the business continues to ride on an up trend as a result of the country’s overall economic recovery especially in the property sector, construction industry, automotive industry, food industry and household electrical appliance industry. The consumption of cold-rolled stainless steels in Thailand still has room to grow, as the per capita consumption is currently around 3 kg per person per year. The consumption rate is quite low compared to that of developed countries in Asia such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, whose per capita consumption is higher than 10 kg on average,” he said. “In addition, the growing economy is another major factor promoting the future of Thailand’s stainless steel industry, where in the next 2-3 years, the demand for stainless steels will increase significantly due to expansion in large infrastructure projects on the part of the government such as extension of the rail transit system in Bangkok and its outskirts, and double rail train project, “ he added. The consumption of stainless steel in the country will depend on the growth of related industries such as the automotive, electrical appliance, construction, food, household item & kitchenware industries. “The company targets to become the leader in integrated rolled stainless steels processing, which include procurement, tailor-made processing, polishing, drilling, and manufacturing and distribution of stainless pipes and D-stainless to cater to the needs of each particular industry within the country namely the automotive, electrical appliance, construction, food, household item & kitchenware industries. Supply Chain Management is used for utmost benefits of all related parties namely supplier, the company and its subsidiaries and customers, which results in better cost and warehousing management as for instance customers stand to benefit from timely product delivery thereby lowering warehousing expenses” he explained. “We are confident in our strength and capability as we prepare to list on the SET to mobilize funds necessary for future expansion. Seamico Securities PLC is appointed the financial advisor to help the company prepare for the listing process. At present, Lohakit Metal PLC has 320 million baht in registered capital, which is divided into 320 million common shares at 1 baht par value. The paid-up capital is amounted to 240 million baht. The initial public offering (IPO) will involve 80 million shares, which are around 25 percent of the company’s paid-up capital after IPO. The proceeds will be used in the construction of building facilities, buying of equipment and machinery, repayment of loans and revolving capital for future business expansion,” he added. Pinit Puapan, Managing Director of Seamico Securities Public Company Limited, disclosed that Lohakit Metal PLC has been the industry pioneer constantly striving to add value to the trading of stainless steel for over 18 years. “The Company understands the specific requirements of industry users and the importance of delivering quality products on-time. As such the Company has always been proactive in looking for cost-saving measures to enhance the overall cost effectiveness of the industry supply chain as well.” “Great reputation coupling with great business relationships, supporting by a corporate policy that constantly identifies new growth opportunities in this increasingly sophisticated industry, should make Lohakit Metal PLC an attractive stock for all investors. Lohakit Metal PLC is expected to list on the SET within this year,” he concluded. For further information please contact: PR Consultant Jidapa, Alisa, Tanakorn Siam PR Consultant Co., Ltd. Tel. 0-2693-7835-8 ext. 32, 29, 30, 08-1817-7153, 08-6500-2582, 08-1870-1021 Fax. 0-2693-6920