German Quality Service Support Purem by Eberspächer’s Breakthrough in Rayong, Thailand
In a bold stride toward sustainable and clean mobility, Purem by Eberspächer joined forces with AAPICO Hitech to build a brand-new, greenfield automotive factory in Rayong, Thailand. The goal was ambitious: to establish a cutting-edge exhaust systems production facility that not only meets strict international emission standards but also demonstrates agile execution in an emerging automotive hub. Strategic planning meetings—bolstered by interactive digital tools—allowed all stakeholders to visualize facility layouts, fine-tune production workflows, and simulate potential challenges in real time, setting the stage for a flawless launch.
Planning & Digital Interactivity
The planning phase was distinguished by its reliance on modern, interactive tools. Engineers and project managers conducted virtual walkthroughs using a digital twin of the proposed factory, enabling stakeholders to adjust design parameters and production processes before ground was even broken. Interactive timelines and data visualization dashboards promoted transparency, ensuring that every decision was backed by real-time analytics. This innovative approach not only increased investor confidence but also streamlined coordination with local authorities and technical partners in Thailand.
Execution & Innovation
Once the blueprint was locked in, the project shifted from vision to reality at an impressive pace. Over just five months, construction transformed a vacant 3,000-square-meter space within the AAPICO Rayong campus into a bustling production facility. The new plant, ideally located approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Bangkok and near the key Laem Chabang Port, was engineered with state-of-the-art automation and advanced quality control systems. Over 150 local experts—trained with the help of interactive learning modules—were at the helm of production, crafting exhaust systems that satisfy stringent standards such as Euro 6, CARB – LEV III, and EPA – TIER 3.
The Impact
On its grand opening, the Purem by Eberspächer facility in Rayong exemplified a new era for the automotive industry in Southeast Asia. The plant quickly ramped up to a yearly production capacity of 300,000 components, catering to a major US automotive manufacturer’s pick-up truck platform. More than a production powerhouse, the project served as a catalyst for community development—generating local jobs and establishing partnerships with technical colleges and training programs. The robust performance of the factory also reinforced Thailand’s reputation as the “Detroit of Asia,” bolstering the country’s automotive manufacturing credentials on a global stage.
