Tipco Asphalt Group Secures 3 Awards at Thailand Kaizen Award 2024

On August 9, 2024, Tipco Asphalt Group, Nakhon Ratchasima, Surat Thani, and Phitsanulok plants received awards at the Thailand Kaizen Awards 2024. The event, organized by Technology Promotion Association (Thailand-Japan), took place at BITEC Bangna from August 6-9, 2024. The competition featured 7 categories of Kaizen projects, with 141 companies submitting 417 project entries. Of these, 114 projects made it to the final round for presentation at BITEC.

 This year, Tipco Asphalt Group submitted 8 projects in the Kaizen Suggestion Systems (KSS) category, all focused on process improvement with minimal equipment costs or budget. Out of 32 projects in the KSS final round, 3 were from our group, and all 3 won awards: “Spring-Powered Drum Handling Cart” project by Khun Sompong Pengsoongnern, Senior Warehouse Officer, from Nakhon Ratchasima plant received the Golden Award, “Emergency Kit for Trucks” project by Khun Phumin Thanyadi, Senior Technician – Vehicle Maintenance, from Surat Thani plant received the Silver Award, and “Easy Fit: No More Screwing Around” project by Khun Yodrak  Thonchangya, Forklift Driver Warehouse, from Phitsanulok plant received the Bronze Award.  These 3 awards reaffirm the group’s commitment to encouraging and supporting employees in innovating and improving work processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness. This dedication will elevate the organization’s performance in the future.

The project from Nakhon Ratchasima plant, titled “Spring-Powered Drum Handling Cart,” was developed by Khun Sompong Pengsoongnern, Senior Warehouse Officer at Nakhon Ratchasima plant. This initiative stemmed from the need to improve a work process that previously relied on waiting for forklift availability, causing delays in operations and customer deliveries. The project aimed to reduce the risk of accidents associated with the previous process, which involved forklifts lifting drums during the loading process. The new solution not only ensures timely deliveries to customers, maximizing the efficiency of machinery, but also allows employees to minimize downtime, freeing them up to focus on other creative improvements within the organization.

The project from Surat Thani plant, titled “Emergency Kit for Trucks,” was invented and developed by Khun Phumin Thanyadit, Senior Technician – Vehicle Maintenance, at Surat Thani plant. This initiative was driven by a safety goal to reduce accidents involving transport vehicles and to empower drivers to handle emergencies effectively when their trucks break down on the job. The project benefits the business by ensuring timely and complete deliveries to customers, reducing emergency repair costs, and enhancing safety for the community by providing greater confidence to other road users.

The project from Phitsanulok plant, titled “Easy Fit: No More Screwing Around” (Improved Easy-Fit Pump Guard), was invented and developed by Khun Yodrak Thonchangya, Forklift Driver Warehouse at Phitsanulok plant. As in the deep cleaning process of the asphalt pump, workers previously had to unscrew and remove the pump’s protective guard to clean and inspect it for potential issues that could cause sudden breakdowns. This process was time-consuming and involved unnecessary steps. As a result, Khun Yodrak invented an easy-fit pump guard that can be quickly and securely attached without the need for screws. This innovation reduced work time and minimized unnecessary movement and fatigue. Previously, workers had to walk back and forth to the maintenance room to borrow tools, but with the new design, tools are no longer needed, streamlining the entire process.

Phra Pradaeng Plant installed bumper guards at the plant of Thongchai Charoen Construction Co., Ltd., Muang District, Nakhon Pathom Province.

On July 31, 2024, the Phra Pradaeng Plant installed bumper guards at the plant of Thongchai Charoen Construction Co., Ltd., Muang District, Nakhon Pathom Province. The area was narrow and lacked warning signals for hazards, which had led to accidents. The company enhanced safety at the customer’s plant by installing bumper guards to prevent and reduce accidents. This initiative also aimed to build strong relationships and listen to customer feedback, ensuring that the needs and expectations of stakeholders are met effectively. Additionally, it promoted the “Share More, Gain More” activity, which involved sharing information about hazardous and risky areas in the customer’s plant and along transportation routes to monitor potential risks. As a result of these efforts, the customer satisfaction level reached 98%.

TAL has achieved 300,000 manhours without a lost time injury

On 17 July 2024, Tipco Asphalt Lao (TAL) has the achievement of 300,000 manhours without a lost time injury since September 2020. On this occasion, the team has gathered together to celebrate this success, with a focus on achieving the next goal of 400,000 safe working hours in the year 2026.

Surat Thani plant had the opportunity to welcome Mr. Bai Min Guang, Depot Production Manager, and Mr. Liang Da Ren, Production Deputy Manager, from Tipco Asphalt Xinhui Co., Ltd.,

Between July 10-11, the Surat Thani plant had the opportunity to welcome Mr. Bai Min Guang, Depot Production Manager, and Mr. Liang Da Ren, Production Deputy Manager, from Tipco Asphalt Xinhui Co., Ltd., one of the Tipco Asphalt Group companies in China. They visited the Surat Thani factory to observe and learn about various management practices, including the 5S activities, sea freight handling, storage, and the factory’s occupational health and safety management system.

Both guests expressed their gratitude and praised the supervisors and employees at the Surat Thani factory for their warm welcome, helpful guidance, and excellent knowledge sharing. They plan to apply and adapt the insights gained to improve operations at Tipco Asphalt in China.

Tipco Asphalt and the Department of Civil Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, have entered into an MOU for academic collaboration aimed to advance sustainable knowledge, technology, and innovation in the asphalt industry.

On May 8, 2024, Tipco Asphalt Public Company Limited, represented by Mr. Soranard Nantamontry (Deputy CEO – Thailand Business) and Mr. Surapon Katekaew (Technical Director), together with the Department of Civil Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, represented by Professor Dr. Boonchai Stitmannaithum (Head of the Department of Civil Engineering) and Associate Professor Dr. Withit Pansuk (Deputy Head of the Department – Academic Affairs), formally entered into an MOU for academic collaboration. The collaboration aims to foster academic partnership and facilitate research activities beneficial to both parties, including special lectures by company experts at the university, support for on-site visits to construction projects and access to laboratory testing facilities, opportunities for internship, as well as joint research and development endeavors focused on enhancing asphalt concrete materials and solutions. Associate Professor Dr. Sorawit Narupiti and Associate Professor Dr. Boonchai Sangpetngam, associate professors of Transportation Engineering at Chulalongkorn University, also served as witnesses during the ceremony.

“Bitumen Marine” orders new asphalt vessel to enhance its logistics capabilities

On 9 April 2024, Bitumen Marine Co., Ltd. (subsidiary of Tipco Asphalt PCL) signed a contract with Sumisho Marine Co., Ltd and Sasaki Shipbuilding Co., Ltd, from Japan, to build a new 8,000 DWT asphalt vessel with design emphasis on environmental conservation and energy efficiency. The vessel will have a maximum voyage distance of 13,500 nautical miles and maximum speed of 14 knots. This new vessel will increase the Group’s asphalt carrying capabilities, complimenting the 8 vessels (1,200-12,000 DWT) currently in service, allowing for greater carrying capacity of asphalt products to customers in Southeast Asia, Northern Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Tipco Asphalt Group warmly welcomed the management team and staff from Don Muang Tollway Public Co., Ltd.

On April 5, 2024, Tipco Asphalt Group warmly welcomed the management team and staff from Don Muang Tollway Public Co., Ltd. to visit and receive an overview presentation of Tipco Asphalt Group’s businesses and the practices for driving sustainable business covering all 3 dimensions: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). Don Muang Tollway Public Co., Ltd. has long been a key partner of the Construction Business of Tipco Asphalt Group, demonstrates confidence in our quality and standards-compliant services provided in road construction. Hence, exchanging experiences is crucial in promoting stable and sustainable growth for both of us.

Tipco Asphalt Continues Using EV Tractors for Environmental Sustainability

On April 1, 2024, Tipco Asphalt Public Company Limited signed a contract with Montri Transport Corporation Public Company Limited to adopt the use of 423 kWh electric tractors, for transporting raw materials from Laem Chabang to the Korat Plant. This is an increase in the proportion of clean energy use in the company’s transportation system, in line with our GHG emissions reduction target, both Scope 1 and Scope 2, by at least 36% by 2030 compared to the baseline GHG emissions in the year 2020. This collaboration aligns with the climate strategies as we work with specialized logistic partners to reduce GHG emissions, reaffirming our commitment to environmental sustainability. Additionally, this project also engages in reducing the company’s scope 3 GHG emissions.

Tipco Asphalt Public Company Limited invited health-conscious customers to participate in the “3rd Runway Suvarnabhumi Charity Run”

On March 17, 2024, Tipco Asphalt Public Company Limited invited health-conscious customers to participate in the “3rd Runway Suvarnabhumi Charity Run,” offering a once-in-a-lifetime running experience on Runway 3, amidst the beautiful scenery of Suvarnabhumi Airport and the lively atmosphere of the event filled with the joy and smiles of the runners. Moreover, Tipco Asphalt contributed donations and supported the purchase of medical equipment for hospitals in remote areas, reaffirming our commitment to promoting and assisting in the social development of people’s quality of life. Additionally, this activity provided an opportunity for employees and customers to engage in social activities alongside exercising for good health and strengthening good relationships between employees and customers as well.

Tipco Asphalt Group celebrates a certification of the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (Information security, cybersecurity and privacy protection)

On 25 January 2024, Khun Chaiwat Srivalwat, Chief Executive Officer, has chaired the certification ceremony of ISO/IEC27001:2022, from the British Standards Institution (BSI), an accredited certified body. Khun Sorachart Karphkraikaew, Senior Manager – Information Technology, represents Tipco Asphalt Group in the certification ceremony, while Khun Bookkhalakorn Chaidee, Sales and Marketing Director of BSI Group (Thailand) Co., Ltd. resented the certificate. Attending the ceremony includes the management and representatives from IT Safety and Security Management Standard Committee.

The Information Technology Department recognizes the importance of data security in Thailand’s business network. Most of the data is stored at our data center, where important equipment in information technology and networks is located, such as computer server, virtual servers and network devices, etc.

We are committed to continuous the safety and security of our Data Center, and managing the security of computer data centers. Applying the standard of ISO/IEC 27001:2022 — Information security, cybersecurity and privacy protection is our latest development to ensure our Data Center’s management complies with international standard with following objectives:

1. To manage our information safety and security by ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information according to the ISO/IEC 27001.
2. To ensure that our service on IT infrastructure and operation network of Thailand Business is secured, with continuous availability on all locations and all time.
3. To ensure that safety and security of our Data Center management is continuously improved.