Local Schneider unit challenges Mitsubishi for top spot in automation market

ARANEE JAIIMSIN

Schneider (Thailand) Ltd, a subsidiary of Schneider Electric of France, aims to become Thailand's leader in automation systems this year by increasing its market share to 15% from 12% last year. The market value of automation systems in the country was five billion baht last year, with a growth rate of 10% per year during last two years, said senior marketing manager Kusol Kusolsong.

Schneider, which markets its automation systems under the tradename Telemecanique, ranked second in the market, after Japan's Mitsubishi Corp whose market share was 15%, he said.

''We will need to increase our sales revenue from the automation systems business by 20-30% this year so that the goal can be achieved,'' said Mr Kusol.

Sales of automation systems generated about 700 million baht for the company last year.

Mr Kusol attributed his optimism to rising demand for automation systems from an industrial sector that needs high production accuracy to meet the export market's requirements. The company aims to penetrate the food and beverage, oil and gas, automotive and electronics industries in the year, according to Mr Kusol.

Exhibiting at trade shows such as Assembly Tech

Bangkok Post

Saturday March 31, 2007