Mainfreight managing director Don Braid has travelled to Thailand with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and other NZ business mangers on a trade mission to Thailand. Mr Braid used this opportunity to announce Mainfreight’s expansion into Thailand and the company’s newest branch in Bangkok.

“We are excited to be established in Thailand,” Mr Braid said. “The local knowledge of our Thai team, supported by our global experience and network, will provide full supply chain solutions for importers and exporters looking to trade in Europe, USA, China, Australia and of course, New Zealand.”

“We expect to increase our level of investment in resources and infrastructure over time to meet the demands of our customers. We expect to double the size of this office during our first twelve months and to handle in excess of 3,000 shipments during its first year.”

Thailand is a core for manufacturing and production of goods with a high value such as electronics, automotive and fashion. Mr Braid said Mainfreight saw Thailand as a leading economy in the 2015 ASEAN economic community: “Thailand is perfectly positioned to provide intra-Asia trade growth, as well as facilitating existing trade within the Mainfreight network.”

The new branch is located in the metropolitan hub in Bangkok and will initially focus on international trade coming in and out of Thailand. It will offer customers the full spectrum of international shipping including FCL and LCL sea freight, air freight and Customs clearance.

Backed by the company’s air and ocean network in Asia, with operations in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and throughout China, nine Thai nationals make up the new Mainfreight team led by national manager Withanya (Mo) Ceetantivech.