SAMEE, a leading contract manufacturer in the aerospace, semiconductor and data storage equipment sectors, is advancing its strategic expansion in Thailand with the official opening of two factories as well as groundbreaking ceremony for its third factory in Ban Bueng, Chonburi.
The company, which commenced its Thai operations with a modest setup in Wang Noi, Ayutthaya, two decades ago, has evolved into a premier manufacturer specialising in precision engineering and advanced manufacturing solutions. SAMEE currently operates four factories across two sites, with a fifth factory expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The Ban Bueng site, covering 1,000,000 square feet, represents a strategic investment in both semiconductor front-end and aerospace operations. To date, SAMEE has invested over USD 90 million in Thailand, with plans to inject an additional USD 40 million by 2026.
Speaking at the inauguration on Wednesday (20th November), Mr. Tan Kai Hoe, chairman of SAMEE, expressed his gratitude for the support received from various parties, particularly the Board of Investment Thailand (BOI), Chonburi Provincial Government, Ban Bueng District Government, and key customers and partners.
The Ban Bueng facility has begun delivering front-end semiconductor equipment since January 2024, underscoring SAMEE's commitment to reinforce its position as a key player in the semiconductor equipment supply chain. SAMEE serves some of the world’s top ten semiconductor equipment suppliers by providing large format machining, metal fabrication, and clean room assembly services to build complex wafer fabrication equipment.
The new Ban Bueng facility also marks a significant milestone in SAMEE's aerospace manufacturing capabilities in Thailand. Following successful customer qualifications and airworthiness authority approvals, the company anticipates delivering its first engine case by 2026. These sophisticated components, crucial for aircraft engine operations, will be manufactured using advanced materials, including stainless steel, titanium, and nickel-based alloys, specifically for the compressor, combustor, and turbine sections.
"With this Ban Bueng site, we are able to execute our strategic plan to bring aerospace manufacturing into Thailand. Qualifications from our customers and airworthiness authorities are progressing well, and we expect to deliver the first engine case to our customer by 2026. These engine cases are highly complex metallic components used in the compressor, combustor, and turbine sections of aircraft engines." Mr. Tan stated.
"We should see the 'Made in Thailand' engine cases used in a variety of aircraft, including the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 Max. When deliveries begin in 2026, we will be the first in Thailand to supply engine cases to original equipment manufacturers such as GE Aviation and Pratt & Whitney Canada," Tan explained, adding that the move showcases Thailand's growing capabilities in high-precision aerospace manufacturing.
The company’s commitment to local development extends beyond manufacturing. SAM Thailand has established partnerships with local educational institutions, including Chonburi Technical College and Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya Technical College, offering student scholarships and internship programmes.
"As we continue to grow, our partnership with local communities will grow too," Tan stated.
To enhance local expertise, numerous staff members have been sent to Malaysia and Singapore for specialised training over the past two years. Currently, employing over 400 people in Thailand, SAMEE plans to expand its workforce to 1,000 by 2026.
Furthermore, the company maintains strong community engagement, with employees actively supporting a children's home in Chiang Mai, which the parent company adopted over a decade ago.
"We will progressively expand this site when the need arises to reach the goal of USD 450million in annual revenue over the next five years," Tan concluded.
