#Thailand #Changan Automobile #sustainable manufacturing #Rayong #Rayong Plant

ChangAn Opens New Factory in Rayong

ChangAn Automobile has officially launched its first international manufacturing plant located in Rayong, Thailand. This facility marks an important milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion and commitment to innovation in the automotive industry. The opening aligns with the assembly of the 28.59 millionth vehicle produced by ChangAn, a testament to its growing global presence.

A New Phase in Global Production

The Rayong plant represents a significant advancement in ChangAn's strategy, transitioning from merely exporting vehicles to establishing a comprehensive industrial footprint worldwide. It highlights the company's ambition to lead in intelligent manufacturing, brand development, and green innovation. As a central hub for production, the factory boasts five smart workshops dedicated to welding, painting, general assembly, engine production, and battery assembly.

With an impressive 90% automation rate in critical quality control points, the Rayong facility showcases one of the highest standards within Thailand's automotive sector. The plant integrates energy-efficient systems that align with sustainable development goals. Notably, a 14 MW photovoltaic system will provide approximately 45% of the plant's electricity needs. Additional features, such as air recirculation towers, natural lighting solutions, and rainwater recycling systems, aim to reduce energy consumption by around 5%, showcasing a commitment to eco-friendliness.

Innovative Production Systems

ChangAn has designed a flexible and innovative production system aimed at minimizing manufacturing costs while efficiently producing high-value vehicles. The welding workshop alone is equipped with 39 robots and employs cutting-edge assembly techniques, including FDS, EPS, and SPR, which provide superior strength compared to traditional methods. The painting workshop utilizes 29 robots, adopting advanced spraying techniques that prolong paint durability for up to 15 years and decrease emissions by 40%. Furthermore, the assembly line consists of 140 stations, with 18 fully automated and 125 semi-automated units, utilizing technologies like automated joint adjustment and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for flexible, multi-model production.

The facility also includes an energy production section that supports the manufacturing of both engines and batteries, featuring precision matching for engines and visual guidance across 22 battery processes. Employing 45 AGVs fosters a responsive manufacturing and transport system to enhance operational efficiency.

Digital Transformation in Manufacturing

In accordance with the latest technological trends, ChangAn's Rayong plant employs a complete digital ecosystem, utilizing microservices architecture to facilitate 100% online operations. Real-time manufacturing planning improves supply chain coordination, significantly reducing order cycle times from 21 days to just 15 days. The ChangAn Quality Operating System (CAQOS) oversees comprehensive quality management across the supply chain, production, and service processes, ensuring top-tier standards are met throughout.

The plant is equipped with 77 surveillance cameras and 62 unerring monitoring points, implementing 71 quality control processes to guarantee end-to-end quality assurance from components to finished vehicles.

Future Goals and Economic Impact

Looking ahead, ChangAn aims to localize 80% of its production in Rayong, create approximately 30,000 jobs, and enhance talent development in line with Thailand's ecological transition. As a significant player in the Southeast Asian market, as well as in Australia and New Zealand, ChangAn has set ambitious targets to surpass five million global sales and achieve over three million sales of new energy vehicles by 2030. Over the next three years, the company plans to launch 12 new energy models and further develop artificial intelligence capabilities. Additionally, a new parts supply center in Rayong will cater to right-hand drive markets with 24-hour delivery.

In the words of Shen Xinghua, General Manager of ChangAn’s Southeast Asia business unit, "After 556 days of diligent work by over 2,000 employees and partners worldwide, we have built an efficient, modern, and smart factory. We are here to stay, and together we will contribute to shaping a cleaner, smarter, and stronger automotive future — in Thailand, for Thailand, and for the world."

Conclusion

ChangAn's new plant in Rayong is a strong statement of intention in the automotive industry, aimed at balancing efficiency with sustainability. As the demand for new energy vehicles continues to rise, ChangAn is positioned to play a crucial role in driving this transition while enhancing local economies and job markets.