Thailand's Srithai to set up plant in Gujarat

Thailand's melamine tableware maker Srithai Superware Tuesday said it will set up a manufacturing unit in Gujarat that will start production early next year.

Chairman and president of Srithai Superware Sanan Angubolkul said the company sees huge growth potential in Indian markets and plans to set up four plants over the next years.

"We entered in the Indian markets in 2009. Since then we have registered an impressive growth," said Angubolkul adding the local units would give the company much needed boost.

He said the Gujarat unit would require an investment of Rs.50 crore and provide employment to around 400 people.

"Currently our products in India are imported. If we start producing here, our cost will go down substantially. It will be naturally passed on to the consumers," he said.

Srithai Superware claims to be the world's largest maker of 100 percent melamine tableware.

The company's new manufacturing plant will be located at Sanand Industrial Estate, near Ahmedabad, in Gujrat.

The factory will commence operation in 2015. The Indian plant is a 100 percent Srithai Superware subsidiary, Rakesh Singh, Srithai Superware's director of corporate strategy and operations development, said at a media conference here.

Singh said the company also plans to export the products from the Indian unites to neighbouring South-Asian countries.

"The 100 percent melamine products are chip, crack and break resistant along with being stain and fade resistant. They are also hygienic and safe for consumers and are specially designed to suit the Indian customers liking," Singh said.

Bangkok headquartered Superware entered the Indian markets in 2009. It sells high range of melamine products under the brand name Ektra. It operates in India through fully owned subsidiary Srithai Superware India.

"Having a manufacturing unit in India, we are expecting exponential growth in the business, as customers can get the products faster and at better prices. We aim to add culinary delight to your dishes and dining through our high end servingware," said Angubolkul.