Toyota has now said it will suspend production at its Thai Auto Works factory just outside Bangkok at the end of this month, as part of a revamp of its global production and supply network, rather than close it.
Thai Auto Works builds the Fortuner SUV and the Hilux Vigo pick-up truck. Production of these models will be transferred to two other Toyota plants in Thailand.
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The factory, in Samrong in Samut Prakan province on the outskirts of Bangkok, began operations in 1988 and has been producing about 60,000 vehicles a year, mainly for export to Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
Toyota said that the move will not result in job cuts as the 950 Thai Auto Works employees will be offered jobs at the company’s other plants.
Thailand, where Toyota currently has four plants, has become the regional hub for the carmaker’s production and exports. The company has yet to decide on the long-term future of the Bangkok factory as it streamlines manufacturing and distribution operations.
