ทัศนศึกษาโรงงานผลิตโค้ก [THAI/ENG SUB]

Coca-Cola Production Insights at ThaiNamthip Factory

Overview of the Factory

• The factory is described as massive, featuring the largest production line observed, producing water containers that are notably large.

• This facility is recognized as the fastest can production line in Thailand, capable of producing 2,000 cans per minute.

Introduction to ThaiNamthip

• Mr. Somsak Meteekul introduces himself as the director of the ThaiNamthip factory in Pathum Thani, which has been operational for 64 years and will celebrate its 65th anniversary this year.

• The company produces a variety of beverages including Coke, Coke Zero, A&W Root Beer, and Minute Maid products.

Licensing and Bottling Process

• ThaiNamthip operates under a licensing arrangement with Coca-Cola, functioning as a "Bottler" responsible for bottling and distributing Coca-Cola products in Thailand.

• The formula used for production is controlled by Coca-Cola but mixed locally at the factory; however, distribution rights vary by region within Thailand.

Production Facilities

• The Pathum Thani factory spans 142 rai (approximately 56 acres), encompassing both production facilities and product distribution centers.

• The PET9 production line specifically produces 450-milliliter Coke Zero bottles at a high speed of 1,200 bottles per minute.

Production Steps Explained

• Initial steps include creating preforms from molded plastic followed by cleaning processes using an Air Bottle Rinser before heating them in an oven.

• After forming bottles through a Bottle Blowing machine, labels are applied using two applicators that can label around 10,000 bottles each roll.

Filling and Sealing Process

• Syrup for Coke is mixed with RO water according to Coca-Cola's formula before adding CO2 gas; this mixture is then pumped into filling machines for packaging.

Production Process Overview

Beverage Production Lines

• Coke, Fanta, and Sprite are produced on a single production line; however, larger bottles require an additional line.

• The factory operates 24/7 and is one of five ThaiNamthip factories located in various regions to facilitate logistics.

Quality Control Measures

• After production, beverages undergo quality checks for water levels and cap closures before passing through the Datecoder machine for marking expiration and production dates.

• A Warmer increases the product temperature to prevent condensation that could damage labels during storage.

Packaging and Sorting

• The Packer machine shrink-wraps packs of 12 bottles at a rate of 120 packs per minute.

• Temperature control is crucial; products are heated to around 30°C using hot water (40 - 50 °C) before packaging to avoid condensation issues.

Logistics and Distribution

Warehouse Capacity and Operations

• The warehouse can store approximately 19,000 pallets, which can be sold out within about ten days.

• Goods are transported from the warehouse primarily in the early morning hours after being produced continuously throughout the day.

Work Shifts and Employee Feedback

• Employees work two shifts of 12 hours each with four days on followed by four days off. This schedule may suit some lifestyles better than traditional five-day work weeks.

Sustainability Initiatives

Solar Energy Utilization

• All ThaiNamthip factories have installed solar cells to reduce conventional energy use, generating approximately 1 megawatt of electricity in the first quarter alone.

• This initiative has led to a reduction of about 900 tons of greenhouse gas emissions in just three months.

Can Production Insights

Can Supply Chain Management

• Cans used in production are supplied by external manufacturers; they utilize lightweight cans to minimize metal usage and waste.

Advanced Transportation Systems

Coke Production Process Overview

Air Conveyor and Can Inspection

• The air conveyor system operates at a speed of 2,000 cans per minute, similar to the principle of air hockey where air is blown from below.

• An empty Coke can with an open lid is discussed as a potential giveaway item; concerns about how to close it are raised.

• Quality inspection occurs before production, using cameras to check for deformities in lids or dents in cans. Damaged cans are rejected.

• After passing through the Air Conveyor, cans are rinsed inside by the Can Rinser machine to remove dust from transportation.

• Water used in rinsing is recycled for gardening and sanitation, significantly reducing water consumption during production.

Filling and Sealing Process

• The Filler section processes 2,000 cans per minute; after filling, cans enter the Seamer machine for sealing with a roller.

• Cans are turned upside down post-sealing to check for leaks; if water leaks out, they are rejected based on water level checks.

• The temperature of products is increased from 12 °C to 30 °C before drying and checking water levels via x-ray.

Packaging and Automation

• Two packaging lanes exist: one packs red pre-packed items while another packs larger quantities (24-can packs).

• The factory employs an automatic system with minimal human oversight—only six employees manage each line despite having around 416 employees at this location.

• The factory produces approximately 2 million cans daily; the production line can accommodate various products like Coke, Fanta, Sprite, etc.

Technological Innovations in Delivery

• New delivery technologies include experimenting with electric vehicles (EV trucks), aimed at energy savings during distribution.

• AI technology monitors driver alertness through camera systems; if drivers appear sleepy, they receive calls suggesting breaks for safety.

Understanding Product Variations

Coke Variants and Sustainability Efforts

Differences in Coke Products

• The taste of Coke Light and Coke Zero varies due to different sweeteners, catering to personal preferences.

• ThaiNamthip emphasizes sustainability by using 100% recycled PET plastic for their bottles, showcasing a commitment to environmental friendliness.

Sustainability Initiatives

• The company collaborates with the private sector to recycle PET bottles into new products, highlighting efforts in reducing energy consumption and conserving water.

• ThaiNamthip provides refrigerators for free to partner stores selling Coke products, enhancing distribution efficiency.

Logistics and Employment

• The logistics aspect is crucial for ThaiNamthip, with strong relationships established between employees and local stores; they have around 8,000 employees.

• The company evaluates customer interest before deciding on product offerings like seasonal flavors (e.g., Coke Lime).

Product Offerings and Marketing Strategies

Flavor Innovations

• Recent introductions include unique flavors such as Coke Lime and K Wave Coke; marketing decisions are based on consumer feedback.

• There’s a playful suggestion about creating unusual flavor pairings like Laab-flavored Coke during discussions about food pairings with Coca-Cola.

Factory Standards and Quality Assurance

• ThaiNamthip adheres to high international standards similar to Coca-Cola's operations in Atlanta regarding quality control and food safety.

• They comply with various international standards (ISO 9000, ISO 14000, etc.) ensuring rigorous safety protocols are followed at their factories.

Visitor Experience at ThaiNamthip Factory

First Group Visit Insights

• This visit marks the first time a group has been allowed inside the factory, emphasizing its exclusivity.