DIP opens ITCs to support SMEs

BANGKOK, June 8 – The Department of Industrial Promotion (DIP) will speed up the opening of seven more Industry Transformation Centres (ITC) to develop small and medium-sized enterprises within next month. DIP director-general Kobchai Sangsitthisawat said that his department was developing small and medium-sized enterprises into Smart SMEs. It joins forces with Japan to implement the Connected Industries project and pioneers the “3–Stage Rocket Approach” activities to support the SME development. The first two stages concern the compilation of digital information on machines and workers within next month to examine the efficiency and capacities of about 500 SMEs nationwide. The third stage deals with Lean Automation System Integrators also known as the LASI Project that will promote lean production. Denso Co set up its Lean Automation System Integrator centre to demonstrate lean production and share knowledge on demand and supply. The LASI centre is part of the ITC project to develop SMEs. Besides, the DIP together with PTT Plc provide advice on plastic and bioplastic industries through video conferences at the existing ITC and DIP’s regional offices in Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Ubon Ratchathani, Songkhla and Lampang. The consultancy services cover product development, product design, processed farm products, foods, packaging, machinery, inspection trips, training and seminars and have benefited about 5,600 operators. Seven more ITCs will be opened in Phichit, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Suphan Buri, Chon Buri and Surat Thani provinces within next month. (TNA)