Synergy expands Thai manufacturing hub
Recent expansion at the site in Samutprakarn has included an additional 2,500m2 of space, including 1,500m2 dedicated to manufacturing, plus the creation of five new sensory labs. The additional space will accommodate more than double the current workforce, with investment in human resources across all departments being made over the coming months and years.
Further investment in GC/MS analytical equipment will be made in 2019, enhancing local capability.
Entering the South East Asian market in 2008, Synergy’s parent company made further investments in 2013, opening the manufacturing facility in Bangkok. The operation now services countries beyond South East Asia, including New Zealand, Pakistan, Myanmar and India.
The Thai facility produces sweet and savory flavors, as well as seasonings in liquid and powder formats.
The dairy flavor and lactic yeast extract range from Synergy’s Dairy Taste production facility in Ireland is also warehoused and distributed from Thailand. Through its parent company, Carbery, Synergy has a dairy heritage that has inspired a range of cheese, butter and milk flavors to a variety of end products.
Regional growth
Geoff Allen, managing director, Synergy Flavours (Thailand) Ltd., said, “Customers rely on us for our technical capabilities, responsiveness and dairy expertise, which all help to ensure we stand out in the dynamic and exciting food and beverage markets of the region. Our global footprint and capabilities are also invaluable and help fuel our continued success.
“An example of an exciting flavor innovation that has captured the attention of the region is our Hokkaido-type milk flavor. By analyzing real Hokkaido milk using gas chromatography, we developed a flavor mimicking the profile at our UK facility.
“We were then able to use our dairy expertise in Ireland to develop a milk flavor that also builds in mouthfeel and creaminess in a variety of applications such as biscuits, cheese and bakery applications. We now sell this product right across Asia to create many on-trend products.”
Steve Morgan, CEO of Synergy Europe & Asia, said exports account for 60% of sales from the site, and the ability to scale-up and serve a broader customer base in the region will be key to achieving the company’s growth plans.
Synergy Flavours Thailand has commercial representation elsewhere across the region, with partners in Indonesia, Malaysia, The Philippines, Taiwan, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan.
