Thai parts and equipment maker looks to base global marketing and R&D here
One of Thailand’s leading truck parts suppliers is eyeing Australia as both a home for its marketing and research arms and as a market for light commercial vehicle canopies.
Sammitr Motors Manufacturing (SMM) Group has a global push underway and is looking to list on the Bangkok stock market.
According to Thai news service The Nation, SMM is about to invest in Indonesia as it is a big market for parts and components for heavy trucks, dump trucks and trailers.
It quotes SMM Overseas Business Director Ratana Stiramon as saying: “We have also invested in research and development facilities in Australia to serve all of our product groups.”
Managing Director Yongyout Posirisuk sees Australia as one of the global markets for its steel canopies and other light truck accessories.
“We aim to use Australia as a global marketing and research and development base, while manufacturing will take place in Thailand,” Posirisuk is quoted as saying.
“To tap the world market, we also need world-class service and communication capability. Besides Australia, we also invest in Europe, but the scale is smaller.
“SMM will also expand its truck and trailer components business into the ASEAN Economic Community market.”
The move has the potential to create a beachhead in the Australian truck market.
Along with car and light commercial offerings, SMM offers gas and dual fuel systems.
It also supplies axles, hydraulic systems and pressed parts for trucks and trailers.