Coats, a leading industrial thread manufacturer, has unveiled the latest expansion to its global operations with the opening of a new development in Vietnam. The extension to its site in Hung Yen, near Hanoi, was formally opened by Rajiv Sharma, Group Chief Executive, at a ceremony on 21 September.

The event was attended by representatives from the long-standing joint venture in Vietnam with Phong Phu Corporation, as well as local government officials, customers, suppliers and members of the Coats Group Executive Team.

The additional capacity makes the Hung Yen site one of Coats’ largest manufacturing units. It will enable dyeing and finishing operations to be increased by over 40% and also provide additional warehouse space. The site, which is already a leader in many of the internal manufacturing performance metrics of Coats, demonstrates the company’s recognition of the growing customer base in the north of Vietnam, the manufacturer says.

“This is an impressive development which will benefit all our key stakeholders. Expanding our operations positions us even more strongly to meet the future needs of our customers in Vietnam, and beyond, as we work together to adapt and change in response to rapidly changing market demands,” commented Rajiv Sharma, Group Chief Executive, Coats.

The geographic location of Vietnam is an important part of the global footprint of Coats. It is a major hub in South East Asia for worldwide apparel sourcing. As Asia moves from being primarily a manufacturing base to also being one of the world’s largest consumer markets, including an increasing demand for high-end garments, the manufacturing output from its factories is increasing.

Digital is a key pillar of the Coats strategy and Vietnam was an early adopter of Coats eComm, a customer tool to make thread ordering easier and faster. It manufactures many of Coats’ newest and most innovative products including EcoVerde, the range of premium threads made from 100% recycled post-consumer recycled core spun thread. It also produces flagship thread ranges, such as Epic, as well as Performance Materials yarns.

The opening of the new building comes shortly after the recent announcement of Coats being named one of the best companies to work for in Vietnam by HR Asia, the leading regional HR publication.

Coats first opened a site in Hanoi in 1992 and relocated to the current Hung Yen location in 2006. It also has a manufacturing facility in Ho Chi Minh City.

www.coats.com

Further information

Coats among best companies to work for in Vietnam