General Beverage builds Bt5-bn plant in run-up to AEC
General Beverage Co is constructing a Bt5-billion beverage-packaging plant in Nakhon Pathom in preparation for expanded business opportunities under the Asian Economic Community.
The company makes drinks for various local and foreign brands.
The facility is being built in three phases on 60 rai (9.6 hectares) in Sam Phran district. The Bt1.2-billion first phase commenced operations last month, while the second phase is expected to go online by the middle of next year. The third phase should be completed in four to five years.
The first phase can churn out 40,000 aseptic plastic bottles per hour – the fastest line in the country for this type of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottle. The plant employs the most advanced technology in the region, which is also environmentally friendly.
The latest eco-manufacturing system called cold aseptic filling uses heat to eradicate germs and reduce the thickness of the plastics needed by 50-60 per cent. It still allows beverages to be packed under normal temperatures, which helps beverages to retain five times more nutrients, vitamins and minerals than the older packing system.
The packing machines are imported mostly from France and Sweden, in cooperation with Sidel and Tetra Pak.
Pongsakorn Pongsak, founder and president, said yesterday that roadshows were conducted in Thailand and elsewhere in Southeast Asia to build brand awareness of the company as a supplier of more than 20 reputable local and foreign products, such as milk, tea, coffee and fruit juices.
Today, it is vital to consider materials cost-reduction for clients, health benefits and safety for consumers and environmental preservation for society when planning to invest in a new technology or production line, he said.
Safety involves non-toxic materials, preservatives-free formulas and extended shelf life without refrigeration.
The beverage market still has room to grow considerably every year. It attracts more manufacturers, especially with the hot and humid climate here, which promotes stiff competition in the beverage industry.
General Beverage says it can offer advice to clients on quality, packaging and distribution.
The firm targets more than Bt2 billion in revenue in the first year and hopes to recover its investment in a short time.
