Focus on Target Groups & Roar Ahead
United Container has evolved from a family business, established by Mr. Thatchai’s parents. Initially, the operation was based at the family’s home in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao – Bang Kapi area, was mostly manual, and staffed with just one worker. But the business grew over time. In 1992, it set up its current factory in Pathum Thani.
“We have mainly provided corrugated-paper packaging for niche markets. Our customers are those looking for high-quality packages and a reliable supplier such as exporters of processed foods, electronic parts, or auto parts. These target groups need durable packaging and punctual deliveries,” Mr. Thatchai explained.
“With clear focus, we have prepared our factory, machinery, and raw materials in response to customers’ needs. We think it is best to specialize to fully fulfill our target groups’ specific requirements. Through such approach, we have developed expertise and greater understanding of customers’ needs. That’s how our products and services serve our target groups best,” he continued.
Tech Update & People Capability Behind Product Quality
In the competitive business environment, a business will be sustainable only when it delivers quality and wins the hearts of customers. These two key elements exist where internal management is efficient.
“It’s a challenge to fulfill each of various orders – with diverse requirements – without any mistake. We have supplied custom-made packaging. So, most orders are different each day. It is also our duty to ensure timely deliveries. To exporters, delivery time is very important because container loading time is fixed. By addressing customers’ pain point, we give them peace of mind and time to focus on other aspects of their work,” Mr. Thatchai said.
“Not only that I have studied engineering and programming, but I have also had a passion for coding from a young age. During my childhood, my time at my dad’s factory showed me that software in fact could solve many problems and set up efficient work systems. United Container therefore has never stopped developing software and integrated information technology.
“We have built our business sustainability by keeping pace with technology and developing new software for use at our company. Thanks to such efforts, we can reduce the risk of problems and dependence on specific staff’s expertise. For example, our factory has a real-time output recording system. Our staff therefore do not need to key in information manually. The system records everything from the start and end of production time, volume produced, downtime records, and production speed. Data automatically recorded by our computer system are then analyzed in support of production/productivity improvement or waste reduction,” he added.
“Our machines and technologies have been regularly updated. On top of that, we have used quality raw materials only. Our good standards, waste reduction, efficiency improvement, and cost reduction all have contributed to our competitiveness,” he continued.
“At the heart of our business operations are our staff. We believe in good governance and employee care. We have implemented several policies to improve employees’ welfare and quality of life because we believe that our employees’ happiness is translated into good output”.
Sustainable Environmental Care
“We have placed a strong emphasis on environmental care because we think our business should coexist with communities and the environment. Our environmental care is greater than what is required by laws, with regular reviews in place. We have even imported a wastewater treatment system for 100% water recycling. Our factory therefore does not discharge a single drop of wastewater to local communities,” Mr. Thatchai pointed out.
“We have also recycled paper in collaboration with SCGP. We have gathered, compressed, and sent our paper scrap to SCGP out of trust that SCGP will handle it properly. Regarding other types of industrial waste, we have complied with laws. It is buried at an authorized landfill. In our view, mutual coexistence with communities is crucial to business sustainability.
“In addition, we have installed full-scale solar cells to generate power for our factory. On a sunny day, we hardly need power from an electricity authority. Our solar installations help curb environmental impacts as well as our production costs, which will also benefit our customers,” he continued.
Collaborating with Quality Partners
“We have chosen SCGP as our partner because of the latter’s solid quality policy. SCGP is very reliable and supports us strategically. United Container focuses on exporters and suppliers of premium products. Our customers therefore have high expectations. Packaging used for them must be exceptionally durable and delivered through a reliable supply system. SCGP perfectly answers our needs.
“Aside, we have braved through several crises with SCGP by our side before. A few years ago, a paper shortage crisis occurred but we had hardly felt any pinches because SCGP took good care of us. When the global market turned highly volatile, SCGP also helped ensure that pricing for us was still reasonable and enabled us to remain competitive. As we produce packaging at reasonable costs, our customers can compete well in their market too. SCGP has always taken good care of us. So, we really are looking forward to growing alongside SCGP in all years to come,” Mr. Thatchai concluded.
