Third Thai plant boosts Mitsubishi capacity

A new plant at the 1.06 million-metre Mitsubishi manufacturing facility in Laem Chabang, Thailand, is set to boost the Japanese auto-maker’s capacity by 150,000 units per year.

The sparkling new addition will take the triple-diamond brand’s annual production capacity in Thailand to 460,000 units, contributing significantly to a booming Thai motor manufacturing industry that can now produce 2.1 million vehicles a year.

For the foreseeable future, the third production plant in Mitsubishi’s Thai portfolio will produce the new sixth-generation Mirage exclusively. Since its local release in March, the pint-size Mirage - the latest in a long line of Mitsubishi vehicles to be produced in Thailand since 1964 - has attracted more than 23,000 Thai buyers

Since 1988, Mitsubishi has produced vehicles in Thailand for both domestic and export markets at an average ratio of 37:63 respectively. Mitsubishi now boasts total vehicle capacity of 460,000 units per year and an engine production capacity of 502,000 units per year from its Laem Chabang facility, which also produces Triton, Challenger and some Lancer models.

The Laem Chabang Industrial Estate, conveniently positioned just 3.5km from the Bang Lamung deep-water harbour, also produces petrol and diesel engines, stamps panels and assembles vehicles for other manufacturers, including Nissan.

Most production is completed without expensive automation due to the cheap labour rates on offer; the average Thai line worker takes home just 9000THB ($291 AUD) per month. Mitsubishi employs 6437 staff across its three Thai facilities.

Though the new Mirage will also be produced in China, all models sold in Australia will come from Laem Chabang. MMAL told motoring.com.au it expects to sell as many as 650 units per month in Australia when the model goes on sale here later this year.

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