German parts maker Schaeffler Group has purchased a 25,000-square-metre plot from SET-listed industrial developer Amata VN in Dong Nai, Vietnam.
Schaeffler is expanding in Southeast Asia after starting operations of a €20-million (713 million baht) manufacturing facility in WHA Chonburi Industrial Estate II in October 2016.
The 55,000-sq-m facility in Chon Buri makes four automotive components: clutch release systems, clutch pressure plates and discs, mechanical and hydraulic belt tensioners and synchroniser rings. Annual production totals 500,000 to 1 million pieces of each product type.
In Vietnam, Schaeffler invested €45 million (1.6 billion baht) in a new greenfield plant at Amata Bien Hoa City for the first phase of production.
An additional 300 jobs are expected to be created in Dong Nai via the investment.
Klaus Mueller, chief operating officer of Schaeffler Asia-Pacific, said the new facility will produce industrial bearings and components.
"Schaeffler has built a foothold in Southeast Asia after choosing Vietnam as its target country over 10 years ago," said Mr Mueller.
"With the new investment, Schaeffler will increase production capacity of existing products and add new product lines in the future."
Products manufactured in Vietnam will be supplied to customers across a wide range of industry sectors including agriculture, construction and mining, power transmission, food processing, textiles, paper, steel, cement and two-wheelers.
Helmut Bode, chief executive of Schaeffler Asia Pacific, said the group continues to grow engineering competency and its production footprint, while aiming to deliver the highest value from its products and solutions to customers around the world.
"Schaeffler will work with all stakeholders to build sustainable growth for its industrial business in Asean," said Mr Bode.
