Jareeporn Jarukornsakul, the co-founder of WHA Corporation, is making a bold move by investing $1 billion in Vietnam, with plans to build three new industrial zones for high-tech companies over the next five years. The company already has a $200 million industrial estate in Nghe An province with tenants like Foxconn. The new projects will cover a total of 3,650 hectares, with the first one expected to start construction by the end of the year.
Aside from expanding in Vietnam, WHA is also focusing on growing its presence in Thailand, where it currently owns and operates twelve industrial estates. In a recent deal in October, the company sold 40 hectares of land at its Rayong industrial estate to Chinese carmaker Changan Automobile for its first overseas electric vehicle factory. This further demonstrates WHA’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the high-growth sectors of industrial development.
In 2023, WHA saw a 9% increase in net profit, reaching a record 4.4 billion baht ($119 million) from the previous year, with total revenue of 17 billion baht. Jareeporn, who co-founded the company with her late ex-husband in 2003 and took over as group CEO in 2015, has seen her net worth rise to $1 billion, moving her up six spots to No. 31 on the list of Thailand’s richest individuals. This success is a testament to Jareeporn’s leadership and the strategic decisions made by WHA in recent years.
The company’s expansion into Vietnam and the sale of land to a major Chinese automaker highlight WHA’s focus on tapping into the growing demand for high-tech industrial developments in the region. By investing in new industrial zones in Vietnam and selling land to companies looking to establish production facilities in Thailand, WHA is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of industrial development in Southeast Asia.
As WHA continues to grow and expand its presence in both Thailand and Vietnam, Jareeporn’s vision and leadership have played a crucial role in the company’s success. The decision to invest $1 billion in Vietnam’s industrial development and secure deals with major international companies demonstrates WHA’s commitment to driving innovation and growth in the region. With a strong track record of profitability and strategic decision-making, WHA is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
With plans for further expansion and strategic partnerships on the horizon, WHA Corporation is poised for continued success in the coming years. Jareeporn’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to driving innovation have positioned WHA as a key player in the region’s industrial development sector. As the company continues to grow and expand its operations, it will be interesting to see how it continues to shape the future of industrial development in Thailand and Vietnam.
