Japan automotive wiring harness firm doubles production

Japan automotive wiring harness firm doubles production

Sumi Cambodia is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd, which is part of Tokyo-based Sumitomo Group, and is based in the PPSP-run Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone (PPSEZ).

Incorporated on June 14, 2011, Sumi Cambodia’s first factory went online in 2012, PPSP said. It produces automotive wiring harnesses for export to Japan and currently employs 3,800 people, or a threefold increase from 2018.

“Despite Covid-19, 22,000 people work at PPSEZ today, or 1,000 more than in January. Export value increased 35 per cent from January, depicting a recovery after the crisis,” it said, without disclosing the exact figures.

PPSEZ is the Kingdom’s second-largest industrial zone after Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone and is located on 357ha in Kambol district’s Kantaok commune on the western outskirts of the capital.

PPSP customer service manager Hak Serey told The Post in May that there are 108 companies operating in PPSEZ.

PPSEZ managing director Hiroshi Uematsu told The Post on Tuesday that Sumi Cambodia’s first factory has a 15,500sqm floor area and its second 17,000sqm – both are in the PPSEZ.

Its second factory went online in December, which he said doubled its production capacity, without providing more specific data.

“Cambodians are capable of learning how to churn out high-quality products free from defects to then be assembled by renowned automotive giants such as Toyota Motor Corp,” Uematsu said.

PPSEZ saw $1.139 billion in trade volume last year, up 14 per cent from 2018, reported PPSP.

Ministry of Economy and Finance data show that Cambodia exported $2.688 billion worth of goods through special economic zones (SEZs) last year, up 27 per cent over 2018.

There were 465 companies operating in the Kingdom’s 54 SEZs employing more than 100,000 workers.

phnompenh post