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New product eyes niche in Lao construction market
A Japanese plastic wood manufacturer hopes to build a factory in Laos if its products sell well here.
The Astec Corporation presented its products to construction and architecture companies in Vientiane last Friday, after a recent visit to the Ministry of Planning and Investment to discuss investment opportunities in Laos.
“We want the company to invest in or build a factory in Laos because it already has production base in China,” ministry official Mr Phouthasack Souvannasao said at the company's presentation.
The products are composite materials made of plastics (resin and recycled plastic) and natural wood fibre (including rice hulls, wood and bamboo powder), which are combined through special technology.
“The products are 45 percent wood chip or fibre and 45 percent plastic, while the rest is paint or other materials,” Astec Corporation General Manager Mr Ishii Jun said.
Mr Phouthasack said Laos is looked on as a favourable location for a plastic wood factory as it is rich in wood fibre. “So I hope to see the company investing in the country within the next few years.”
The product presentation on Friday was to test the local construction market and seek dealers in Laos.
Astec Corporation Marketing Manager to Laos Ms Souksavanh Sithivong said it will take three months to test the market, after which the company hopes to open a representative office by early next year if the response is good.
The company has visited Laos several times before, and studied the markets in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.
“However, it has selected Laos and hopes to open a branch here because of the country's central location and low labour costs,” Ms Souksavanh said.
The company has a wide range of products covering all different sizes, moulds, and accessories to meet customers' requirements.
The products have a natural wooden appearance, a long life expectancy and are durable under all types of weather.
Mr Ishii Jun said the products have a lifespan of up to three to 10 times that of normal timber products. “The products are strong and can be used for 30 years.”
Astec Corporation has produced and supplied its plastic wood products in Japan for 50 years now, and exported to the EU market, among others, over the past 10 years.
vientiane times
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