AW (Thailand) Co. Ltd Expansion to double production capacity by 2020 with extended ‘family-like’ workplace for employees

Japan’s AISIN AW Co. Ltd, a member of the AISIN Group companies, is a manufacturer and distributor of automatic transmission, holding the largest share in the global market. AW (Thailand) Co. Ltd is a subsidiary, established in Thailand in 2015. The company started production in June 2017 at WHA Eastern Seaboard Estate 2 (WHA ESIE 2) and now have over 400 employees. With production at full-scale on two working shifts across day and night, the factory produces 140,000 units per year and mainly supplies the local Thai market.

AW (Thailand) see the country as the center of ASEAN, historically as well as geopolitically, and believe Thailand will continue to be the hub of automotive production for a long time in the future. Previously, AISIN AW Co. Ltd had been exporting 600,000 units per year of automatic transmission (AT) from Japan to the ASEAN region, but considered that starting local production would contribute to mass production and cost reductions in Thailand.

Across Thailand and ASEAN, where the economy has been growing, cars support people’s everyday lives and businesses. The majority of cars in Thailand, mainly 1-ton pickup trucks, are with manual transmission. But the rate of cars with AT has started to rise closer to 50% and in particular, compact cars with AT have been increasing in Thailand recently. This trend is expected to expand to all types of cars in the future.

Currently only half of AW (Thailand)’s factory compound of 18,000m2 is utilized for production, with additional production lines being built at a fast pace. By 2020, the company aims to increase production to 300,000 units per year.

Mr. Hiroyuki Hasegawa, President of the local entity, is impressed by the skills of the local workforce. Vice President Mr. Yuichi Iwakawa cites his employees’ ”high sensitivity and eagle eyes”, saying “They will report matters to us if they feel something is abnormal. We appreciate their service greatly.” The company prides itself on developing its staff and maintaining a welcoming, safe, clean and respectful workplace. The factory building is completely air-conditioned and the entrance hall has glass walls to the ceiling, so the inside of the factory is visible, surprising many visitors. The factory compound contains various facilities for employees, such as a football field, fitness room, and company cafeteria, providing spaces where people can work and rest cheerfully with energy and peace of mind.

Mr. Iwakawa notes that they labored to select the right factory location, reviewing many sites before settling on WHA ESIE 2. At a perfect location for traffic, easy access to Laem Chabang port, and also 120 meters above sea level, there is no worry of flooding. Development around the industrial estate area had just started, and it was possible to make arrangements according to the company’s business plan. “More importantly”, Mr. Hasegawa said, “We were impressed by WHA’s sincere and speedy response. They provided us with a feeling of security, which other companies didn’t.”

One year has passed since full-scale production started. Supported by peace of mind and trust, AW(Thailand)Co.,Ltd. aims for further leap in their business.

Remarks: The article was written for WHA Group Newsletter December 2018 Vol. 41