Dr. Iain Corness
The dynamic Automotive Focus Group (AFG) held its annual
general meeting last week at the new Hilton Pattaya, and with its very
popular chairman, Mike Diamente, standing down after three years, it was
known this would be quite a void to be filled.
New AFG
Chairman James Beeson.
However, after an exhaustive examination of the ballot
papers and several recounts under the EC and UN supervision, the new
chairman was announced as James (Jim) Beeson, the Asia-Pacific sales manager
of Interpower Thailand, which is the hub for all sales and marketing for the
whole of South East Asia from Thailand right through to Australia/New
Zealand.
Jim’s platform was that the networking of the Auto Focus
Group is a vital resource to the automotive industry here in Thailand, and
participation keeps members focused on growth and the industry. A team is
stronger than an individual, and can provide back to the members current
intelligence on what is happening in the industry as well be able to put
forward concerns. Committee membership is a method of contribution.
The other committee members for 2011 are Shaun Burke,
branch manager of Cromwell-Tools (Thailand), an industrial supply company.
Frank Holzer, ASEAN Manufacturing Controller for General
Motors (Thailand).
Randy Simmons, MD of CHS Asia which manufactures a wide
range of Thermal Process equipment custom designed to match the customer
part range, process and production rate.
Uli Kaiser, Business Development Manager EMAG Holding, a
leading developer for integrated manufacturing solutions for the Automotive,
Aerospace and Oilfield industry.
Peera Thaweechart, MD Thaitan Logistics and Albatross
Logistics. Both operations are a new breed of home grown logistics
companies, and are rapidly growing operation quadrupling of growth in 2010.
Armin Walter from Eftec-Thailand which manufactures
underbody-coating, sealer wax for the car industry in Asia.
Maurice Bromley, GoIndustry DoveBid, the world’s largest
industrial equipment auctioneers and valuers based out of London.
The AFG also welcomed an ex-officio member, Leigh
Wilmott, senior business development manager - Automotive, with Austrade,
the Australian Government’s trade and investment development agency
operating in over 55 counties. Leigh is based in the Australian Embassy in
Thailand, covering the ASEAN region.
With the committee members covering many facets of the
automotive industry in Thailand, from car manufacturing, through to parts
and equipment and base manufacturing, there is no doubt that the Automotive
Focus Group will continue its growth and assistance for the members.
