Articles
TOTO (THAILAND) CO., LTD - Bringing comfort and facilitating improvements in everyday life
16/12/2019
TOTO (THAILAND) CO., LTD is the group company of TOTO Ltd, Japan’s first sanitary ware company founded in Kitakyushu in 1917. Local production in Thailand started in 2012 and approximately 80% of finished products are currently exported. Due to increasing demand, a third factory site will operate from April 2020, launching the manufacture of “WASHLET TM” signature product (a kind of toilet seats). Primarily targeted to the Japanese market, and would like to supply it to Thai domestic market in the near future.
The demand for sanitary ware and “WASHLET TM” are expanding in all areas of Southeast Asia including Thailand, explains Mr. Takayasu Shimada, President of TOTO (Thailand). Behind this trend is the growing interest in clean and hygiene bathroom space. “When Thai people visit Japan for business or sightseeing, what they notice first at the airport, hotel, and commercial facilities is the Japanese culture of water utilization with cleanliness and harmony,” he says, “and it is not only full functionality, but also on being clean and making users feel comfortable and calm.”
“More consumers in Southeast Asia can now afford to spend money on sanitary ware, and bring comfort to their lives. They have found value in a clean and convenient life, and our company has carried on product development and marketing efforts, taking into account the values our customers hold.” – Mr. Takayasu Shimada, President of TOTO (Thailand)
TOTO (Thailand) decided to build its factories in WHA Saraburi Industrial Land, with the convenience of procuring raw materials and established local infrastructure. A stable electricity supply is essential for ceramic production, Mr. Shimada explains, because precision of the products is seriously affected if a blackout occurs. “However,” he says, “this industrial estate is free from such worries and factories can continue their operations with peace of mind.” The company is also very satisfied with the customer support service provided by WHA staff, through routine patrol service around factories, consultations for various issues, and proposals of appropriate countermeasures promptly in case any problem arises. “By receiving advice before the factory employees become aware of the issues, there is a growing sense of trust as good partners,” he declared.
With the third factory bringing the total TOTO (Thailand) sites to a combined 150,000 sq.m., the company plans to continue aggressive business development, looking ahead to the next ten years and further facilitating the improvement of people’s lifestyle and culture.
Contact information
Mr. Takayasu Shimada, President
Toto (Thailand) Co. Ltd
+66 (0)2 117 9520
https://th.toto.com/en/
Remarks: The article was written for WHA Group Newsletter December 2019 Vol. 45