Main pin – AAPICO

SODECIA AAPICO JV Announces New $120 Million Manufacturing Facility in Orangeburg, South Carolina

AH IR

State-of-the-art ladder frame plant will create nearly 400 new jobs; groundbreaking ceremony set for December 8, 2025

Left to Right:
1. Mr. Oliver Wollinsky, Chief Production Officer, Scout Motors
2. Mr. Yeap Swee Chuan, President & CEO, AAPICO Hitech PLC
3. Mr. Rui Monteiro, CEO SODECIA
4. Mr. Ryan Decker, Vice President Strategy and Brand, Scout Motors
5. The Honorable U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn, South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District
6. Mr. Johnnie Wright, Chairman, Orangeburg County Council
7. Ms. Ashely Teasdel, Deputy Secretary, South Carolina Department of Commerce
8. Mr. Joey Williamson, Vice Chair, Orangeburg County Development Commission Board
9. Mr. Chad Lowder, CEO, Tri-County Electric Cooperative

Orangeburg, South Carolina —The newly formed SODECIA AAPICO Joint Venture (SODECIA AAPICO JV) is pleased to announce that it will invest $120 million to build a new manufacturing facility in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, to produce ladder frames for Scout Motors. The 400,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art plant will create nearly 400 new jobs.

SODECIA and AAPICO, both family-owned global automotive manufacturers, announced in May the establishment of a new strategic joint venture in the United States, combining their core strengths and capabilities to better serve a key customer in the automotive sector, Scout Motors, through the manufacture and supply of advanced ladder frames. This new investment will enable SODECIA AAPICO JV to serve as a critical parts supplier for Scout Motors, the emerging automotive manufacturer that is revitalizing an iconic American brand and building its new Production Center in nearby Blythewood, South Carolina.

The SODECIA AAPICO Joint Venture broke ground on this new manufacturing facility on December 8, 2025. The new facility will feature top-of-the-art manufacturing technology, advanced automation, and energy-efficient systems designed to meet the highest global standards. Construction is expected to be completed during 2027.

The SODECIA AAPICO investment is projected to generate substantial economic benefits for the region by creating hundreds of high-quality jobs and strengthening the local automotive supply chain. The project is expected to attract additional suppliers and advance workforce development initiatives within Orangeburg County and the surrounding communities.

A Strategic Partnership with Global Strength

SODECIA is a global Tier 1 supplier headquartered in Portugal, operating across more than 40 locations in Europe, North and South America, and Asia. The company specializes in engineering and manufacturing innovative structural components, powertrain systems, and mechanisms for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers.

AAPICO is a publicly listed Tier 1 automotive parts manufacturer based in Thailand with more than 30 years of industry experience. The company excels in the production of jigs, dies, press parts, chassis frame components, cradles, plastic parts, and forged and machined components. AAPICO operates through 54 subsidiaries and associated companies across Thailand, Malaysia, China, and Portugal, supplying many of the leading Japanese OEMs in Asia.

SODECIA and AAPICO are recognized for their shared commitment to quality, modernization, technological advancement, operational excellence, and long-term partnerships with global automotive manufacturers. Their joint venture reflects a unified vision of innovation and responsiveness in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

By leveraging SODECIA’s global manufacturing expertise and AAPICO’s operational excellence and market agility, the new venture is strategically positioned to meet the precise needs of its customer while strengthening both companies’ roles as trusted global suppliers.

This partnership represents a significant milestone in the ongoing global expansion strategies of both organizations, highlighting their dedication to delivering high-quality, cost-effective, and timely solutions in North America.

Leadership Perspectives

“We are thrilled to take this important step toward expanding our footprint in the United States. With our joint resources and the strong confidence that Scout Motors has placed in both companies, success is our only goal.”
-AAPICO President and CEO Mr. Swee Chuan Yeap

“This project symbolizes the strength of collaboration. By combining the best of both companies, we are creating a world-class facility that will deliver value to our customer and long-term opportunities for the local community.”
-SODECIA CEO Mr. Rui Monteiro

“This announcement marks another important milestone as we work to build a robust, local supply chain for Scout Motors and create meaningful opportunities for South Carolinians. By investing in Orangeburg County, the Sodecia Aapico joint venture is bringing hundreds of new local jobs, strengthening this state’s thriving automotive ecosystem, and reinforcing our shared commitment to making high-quality Scout vehicles right here in South Carolina. We’re grateful to our partners and to the community for embracing our vision of growth and opportunity.”
– Scout Motors President and CEO Scott Keogh

“Today’s announcement by Sodecia Aapico JV is another clear vote of confidence in South Carolina’s world-class workforce, and it will further strengthen our booming automotive industry. This announcement is also the latest example of Scout Motors’ arrival driving additional investment and job creation across our state, bringing even more opportunities and prosperity for our people.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina’s strong reputation as an automotive powerhouse continues attracting investments from global companies. We are thrilled to welcome Sodecia Aapico JV, along with this substantial $120 million investment, to Orangeburg County and look forward to building a partnership with the company as it launches its legacy in our state.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Today is a strong moment for Orangeburg County. Sodecia Aapico JV bringing 392 new jobs and $120 million investment to our community means real opportunity for the people who live and work here. We appreciate companies that see value in Orangeburg County – our workforce, our location and our commitment to support industry. We welcome Sodecia Aapico JV and look forward to the positive impact this project will have for our residents.”
-Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright

About Sodecia

SODECIA is a global Tier 1 supplier, headquartered in Portugal, and operating in over 40 locations across Europe, North and South America, and Asia to the automotive industry, specialized in engineering and manufacturing of innovative structural components, powertrain systems, and mechanisms.

SODECIA is an industrial group founded in 1980,headquartered in Portugal, operating, in over 40 locations across Europe, North and South America, and Asia, as a full-service supplier to the automotive industry, specializing in the development and production of stamped components and assemblies, including chassis, powertrain systems, body-in-white (BiW) structures, safety systems, tooling, access and authorization solutions and other equipment. As a trusted partner of major OEMs around the world, SODECIA is committed to delivering integrated product solutions that meet the highest standards of performance, continuously adding value to customer challenges, exceeding expectations, and contributing to their long-term success.

About AAPICO

Founded in Thailand in 1996 by, a Malaysian, Mr. Yeap Swee Chuan, AAPICO Hitech Plc. It is recognized as one of Thailand’s leading auto parts manufacturers and was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2002.

In addition to producing OEM auto parts, such as metal-forming parts, plastic parts, forging and machining parts, casting parts, and toolings, AAPICO also operates Mitsubishi and MG dealerships in Thailand, Honda and Proton dealerships in Malaysia, and engages in IoT connectivity and mobility businesses.

AAPICO Group’s esteemed clientele includes prominent and highly regarded automotive brands, as well as companies within related industries. These include Isuzu, Auto Alliance, Ford, Mazda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Stellantis, Chery, Great Wall Motor, SAIC, BYD, Geely, Changan, VinFast and other global brands. AAPICO also supplies to Dana, American Axle, Continental, NTPT, Linamar, Magna, Schneider Electric, BorgWarner and other Tier 1 companies.

MEDIA CONTACT:

For Sodecia media inquiries, contact Mr. Armindo Jorge at
armindo.jorge@sodecia.com or call +351 937700182

For AAPICO Hitech PLC media inquiries, contact Ms. Pocharee Busrathepkul at
ir@aapico.com or call +66 2 613 1504

For Scout Motors media inquiries, contact Jamie Lovegrove at jamie.lovegrove@scoutmotors.com

CHANGAN and AAPICO Collaborate to Localize EV Components in Thailand

AH IR — Mon, 20 May 2024 07:01:30 +0000

On May 14, 2024, Ms. Mao Qiong Lin, General Manager of Changan Automobile Purchasing Center, and her team visited Mr. Yeap Swee Chuan, the president of AAPICO HITECH PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED (“AAPICO”), at the AAPICO Ayutthaya plant. During the visit, Ms. Mao and her team presented a letter of nomination and a car model to Mr. Yeap, symbolizing the start of this cooperation.

Following this initial engagement, on May 16, 2024, Changan Automobile participated in Subcon Thailand 2024. Mr. Shen Xinghua, the Managing Director of Changan Auto Southeast Asia Co., Ltd, a manufacturer and distributor of Changan automobiles (CHANGAN), announced a partnership with Thailand parts manufacturers such as AAPICO, Thai Summit, and Summit. The collaboration includes a total procurement plan of more than 20 billion baht for the production of their first electric vehicle, which is set to begin production in Thailand at the start of next year.

CHANGAN has established three companies in Thailand, investing up to 8.8 billion baht in a production base in Rayong province. This facility will encompass the entire automotive manufacturing process, from welding and painting to battery assembly and final assembly. Phase 1 has an annual production capacity of 100,000 vehicles starting in the first quarter of 2025, which will increase to 200,000 vehicles the following year.

CHANGAN plans to launch more than 15 new electric vehicle models over the next five years for Thailand’s electric vehicle users. The company aims to increase the use of locally sourced parts to more than 60% and supports Thai parts manufacturers, making Thailand a supply chain hub for New Energy Vehicles (NEV) in the industry. The goal is for the supply chain to be able to serve both the domestic market and abroad, especially in Southeast Asia.

With Thailand’s rapid shift towards EV adoption, CHANGAN is eager to lead the country’s transition to a more sustainable automotive landscape.

On the left is Ms. Mao Qiong Lin, the Purchasing General Manager for Chanan. In the middle is Mr. Yeap Swee Chuan, the President and CEO of AAPICO HITECH PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED. On the right is Mr. Guan Xin, the Deputy General Manager of Changan Auto Southeast Asia Co., Ltd.

The strategic joint venture – Purem AAPICO opens 2 plants for clean exhaust systems in Malaysia and Thailand

aapico.com — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 11:05:32 +0000

After signing a joint venture agreement on August 10, 2022, the strategic partnership – Purem by Eberspaecher and AAPICO Hitech is committed the business plan with a construction of new facilities to produce the exhaust systems in Malaysia and Thailand. Two new plants have already kicked the start of production to reach a full capacity.

Purem AAPICO is a joint venture with a stake between 51% and 49% respectively. Purem is specialist in a high technology of clean & quiet exhaust systems in line with global standards and low emissions while AAPICO has its know-how in Asean automotive industry for long decades and performs as the leading supply chain for world-class carmakers in Thailand and Malaysia. The company is ready to catch up a growth in all car platforms such as internal combustion engine, new energy vehicle and electric vehicle.

Purem AAPICO in Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia

Under the entitle of Purem AAPICO SDN BHD, the facility has begun a production since October 10, 2023 in Rawang, Selangor, spanning 4,000 square meters far from Kuala Lumpur with a 20-km northwest and near Pataling Jaya – another business center outside the Malaysian capital city. The plant makes exhaust gas aftertreatment systems, including hot ends and cold ends forms. The state-of-the-art technology can produce 400,000 units annually, hiring 100 local jobs.

The clean & quiet exhaust system from Purem AAPICO will be delivered to 4 different car models directly to a Malaysian automotive manufacturer and planned to serve other local customers as well as technical expansion of the production facility for catalysts, manifolds, mufflers and pipes of hot ends and cold ends in the future.

Purem AAPICO Plant in Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia – the first location in Asean.

High-ranking executives from Purem by Eberspaecher and AAPICO Hitech to join the grand opening ceremony.

Employees of Purem AAPICO at the new plant in Malaysia.

Purem AAPICO at Amata City Industrial Estate, Rayong, Thailand

For the plant in Thailand, it has a start of production since October 12, 2023 – just 2 days after the facility opening in Malaysia. The plant is in Amata City Industrial Estate in Rayong, spanning 3,000 square meters near Bangkok and the Leam Chabang Port, surrounded by global facilities of automakers from Japan, US and Germany. The construction timeframe was less than 5 months with a production capacity of 300,000 units per year to employ 150 people and serve the exhaust systems passenger cars and pickup trucks.

The exhaust systems by Purem AAPICO meet the international standards of clean mobility such Euro6, CARB – LEV III and EPA – TIER 3, so Thai-made vehicles can be exported over 100 countries worldwide and the country is the leading hub of car production in the region, so called the Detroit of Asia.

Purem AAPICO Plant in Amata City Industrial Estate, Rayong – the second location in Asean.

High-ranking executives from Purem by Eberspaecher and AAPICO Hitech to join the grand opening ceremony and visit the production line.

The strategic partnership of Purem by Eberspaecher and AAPICO Hitech to make their significant milestones in Asean.

Employees of Purem AAPICO at the new plant in Thailand.

Martin Peters, Managing Partner of the Eberspaecher Group said this is an important milestone for our business activities in the Asean market and it demonstrates that Purem’s products and technologies for clean mobility are well sought and the partnership with AAPICO Hitech about the know-how auto parts background will brought the joint venture to be stronger in the region.

Purem by Eberspaecher is growing and developing for clean automotive around the globe. “With the two new sites that the joint venture opened in Malaysia and Thailand within a week, Purem can manufacture the products now in 19 countries. This shows how the company’s footprint for clean mobility is constantly expanding”, Martin Peters added.

Mr. Yeap Swee Chuan, Chief Executive Officer of AAPICO Hitech Public Company Limited said the company operates 2 OEM auto parts facilities in Malaysia and 21 plants in Thailand. It indicates the confidence in the future of automotive industry in both countries and AAPICO is confident to bring Purem by Eberspaecher, one of the largest and top OEM exhaust makers in the world in reinforcing the Asean car production in the long run.

According to the statistics of Asean Automotive Federation, the region made 4,383,744 cars in 2022, a rise of 24% year over year. Thailand was the regional leader with 1,883,515 cars (+12%), following by Indonesia at 1,470,146 cars (+31%), Malaysia at 702,275 cars (+46%), Vietnam at 232,410 cars (+42%), the Philippines at 92,223 cars (+10%) and Myanmar at 3,175 cars (+62%).

About Purem by Eberspaecher

Purem by Eberspaecher is a subsidiary of the Esslingen-based Eberspaecher Group. To achieve clean and quiet mobility, more than 7,100 employees develop and produce exhaust and acoustic systems for passenger cars, CVs, and off-road vehicles. The technologies make a significant contribution to meeting the strictest emission standards and noise guidelines. Its customer base includes the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers. In 2022, the area within the group of companies generated revenue of around 5.7 billion euros. Net revenue adjusted for transitory items amounted to 1.9 billion euros.

About AAPICO Hitech Public Company Limited

AAPICO Hitech Public Company Limited, founded by Yeap Swee Chuan, was established in 1996 and was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2002. The Company is comprised of 3 business pillars: the OEM Auto Parts Manufacturing Business, the Car Dealership Business, and the IoT Connectivity & Mobility Business. As of today, the Group comprises 48 subsidiaries and associate companies, of which 33 companies are operating in Thailand and 15 companies are located overseas. The Company’s main business initially was to design, produce, and install car assembly jigs and stamping dies; and to manufacture OEM automotive parts, including floor parts, cross members, pillars, brackets, clips, and fuel tanks for leading automobile assemblers in Thailand. The Company has since progressed by adding the production of chassis frame components, forging parts, machining parts, casting parts, plastic parts and plastic fuel tanks to its manufacturing portfolio. Revenue for 2022 was USD 800 million* with 5,400 employees. (*Remarks the exchange rate 1 USD = 35.5 THB)

About Eberspaecher

With approximately 10,700 employees at 80 locations worldwide, the Eberspaecher Group is one of the automotive industry’s leading system developers and suppliers. The family business, headquartered in Esslingen am Neckar, stands for innovative solutions in exhaust technology, automotive electronics and thermal management for a broad range of vehicle types. In combustion or hybrid engines and in e-mobility, the components and systems from Eberspaecher ensure greater comfort, higher safety and a clean environment. Eberspaecher is paving the way for future technologies such as mobile and stationary fuel cell applications, synthetic fuels as well as the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier. In 2022, the Group generated revenue of around 6.4 billion euros. Net revenue adjusted for transitory items amounted to 2.7 billion euros.

AAPICO Hitech officially opens two new Mitsubishi showrooms at Pakkret and Pathumthani on 7th and 8th of November 2020

b i — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 07:49:00 +0000

Standing from left to right: Mr. Kittipong Chokdianant (Office of Domestic Operation Improvement and Network Development Director from Mitsubishi Motors Thailand), Mr. Sarote Maartlert (Vice President of Sales and Network Improvement Units from Mitsubishi Motors Thailand), Mr. Eiichi Koito (Executive Vice President from Mitsubishi Motors Thailand), Mr. Morikazu Chokki (President and Chief Executive from Mitsubishi Motors Thailand), Mr. Yeap Swee Chuan (President and CEO from AAPICO Hitech), Mrs. Teo Lee Ngo (Executive Director from AAPICO Hitech), Ms. Yeap Xin Yi (Managing Director from Able Motors Pakkret & Able Motors Pathumthani), Ms. Panchita Phakdeechat (Deputy Managing Director from Able Motors Pakkret & Able Motors Pathumthani)

AAPICO Hitech Public Company Limited held grand opening events for its two new showrooms – Mitsubishi Able Motors Pakkret and Mitsubishi Able Motors Pathumthani – on 7th and 8th of November 2020, which will be under the management of Ms. Yeap Xin Yi, the Managing Director.

AAPICO Hitech Public Company Limited was honored by Mr. Morikazu Chokki, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Thailand, to be a witness of the opening events.

On this occasion, Mr. Morikazu Chokki gave an opening speech, “We have worked closely with the dealer network to strengthen our presence and coverage in Thailand. We aim to serve our customers nationwide via 240 outlets in FY2020. However, our collaboration with the dealers is more than just numbers and coverages. We will continue to enhance service quality and enhance customer satisfaction.”

Mr. Yeap Swee Chuan, President and CEO of AAPICO Hitech also delivered his speech on behalf of Able Motors Company, “This is our first fully owned showrooms. We want to challenge to be the best dealer in Thailand for Mitsubishi.”

More information about AAPICO Hitech

AAPICO Hitech PLC was established in 1996 and was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2002. The Company’s main businesses initially were to design, produce, and install car assembly jigs and stamping dies, and to manufacture OEM automotive parts, including floor parts, cross members, pillars, brackets, clips, and fuel tanks for leading automobile assemblers in Thailand. The Company has later progressed to produce plastic parts, forging and machining parts, and chassis frame components.

AAPICO Organizes 2019 QCC Competition

b i — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 04:45:00 +0000

January 18, 2020 – APPICO HITECH organized the 2019 QCC Competition to promote and develop its employees’ skills and capabilities at the AAPICO Training Center.

“The annual quality competition is an important part of sustaining APPICO HITECH’s operation standards and improving the capability of our employees’ skills. This is our commitment to continuously develop and make sustainable success to our businesses,” said Mr. Yeap Swee Chuan, President and Chief Executive Officer, AAPICO HITECH Public Company.

Before the event, there were 5S audit of every company during early January. The judges then selected the best company to receive the awards. There was also KAIZEN exhibition during in this event to show the best KAIZEN practice of every company.

On the event day, Mr. Yeap gave an opening speech followed by QCC Competition and presentations by LRP and TPS team. The event ended with award giving ceremonies for the QCC, Kaizen and 5S winners.

More information about AAPICO Hitech

AAPICO Hitech Receives Drive Award 2019 Excellence in Industrials Category

b i — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 03:55:11 +0000

September 03, 2019 – AAPICO HITECH Public Company Limited has received the Drive Award 2019 Excellence in the Industrials category. The award ceremony took place on August 27, 2019, at Chulalongkorn University.

Organized by the MBA Chula Alumni Association, the third annual Drive Award was given to business organizations that helped drive Thailand’s economy in various sectors – including Financials, Industrials, Services, and Technology.

This was the first time for AAPICO HITECH to have been granted this honorable award. This accomplishment can be attributed to its commitment to not only build a sustainable business success, but also to support Thailand’s automotive industry and the production industry as a whole.

On behalf of AAPICO HITECH, Mr. Yeap Swee Chuan, President and Chief Executive Officer, accepted the award.

“We are delighted to have received this award. It demonstrates that we are on the right track to becoming an efficient company in accordance with our vision: a lean, green happy, and digital world-class organization with 4 fundamental values of Happy Customers, Happy Employees, Happy Shareholders, and Happy Public,” said Mr. Yeap.

More information about AAPICO Hitech
AAPICO Hitech PLC was established in 1996 and was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2002. The Company’s main businesses initially were to design, produce, and install car assembly jigs and stamping dies, and to manufacture OEM automotive parts, including floor parts, cross members, pillars, brackets, clips, and fuel tanks for leading automobile assemblers in Thailand. The Company has later progressed to produce plastic parts, forging and machining parts, and chassis frame components.

AAPICO HITECH Protects Environment by Having its Employees participating in CSR Activities

b i — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 09:28:45 +0000

June 29, 2019 – AAPICO HITECH Public Company Limited and ABLE SANOH INDUSTRIES recently conducted corporate social responsibility activity as part of the companies’ ongoing commitment to community and environmental sustainability.

The activity attracted more than 165 participants, including executives and employees, led by Mr. Yao Chia Chen, General Manager, AAPICO Hitech Public Company Limited and Mr. Sirichai Ruangdet, Plant Manager, AAPICO Lemtech (Thailand) Company Limited, who jointly built check dams, planted trees and painted bridges in Sattahip, Chonburi.

Participants also helped to clean up beaches by collecting garbage, including plastic bags, plastic bottles and food containers.

Additionally, all participants visited Sea Turtle Conservation Center Royal Thai Navy to get knowledge on the life cycle of sea turtles and the importance of the creature’s conservation. Afterwards all executives and employees donated necessities to The Foundation of Teacher Boonchoo Home for Special Children. The activity ended with HTMS Chakri Naruebet visit where participants got the opportunity to on board the flagship of the Royal Thai Navy.

“We would like our employees to continuously participate in CSR activity to serve our local communities,” said Mr. Yao Chia Chen “It has always been part of our commitment to raise employee awareness towards community and environment where we live and conduct business.”