WHA Group breaks ground on smart technology industrial zone in central Vietnam

Thailand's WHA Group on Tuesday broke ground on a world-class, modern, and environmentally friendly industrial zone in central Vietnam, namely the WHA Smart Technology Industrial Zone-Thanh Hoa.

Strategic location and superior connectivity

Located just 12 kilometers from Thanh Hoa city's center in Thanh Hoa province, with direct access to the North-South Expressway and surrounded by a large, capable workforce, the project is designed to attract high-value technology, manufacturing, and supporting industries.

The site offers seamless connectivity to major economic hubs and transport gateways: 75 km from Nghi Son Port, 49 km from Tho Xuan Airport, 155 km from the capital city of Hanoi, and 204 km from the Lach Huyen deep-sea port in Hai Phong city.

Following the development of Phase 1 (178 hectares), the WHA Smart Technology Industrial Zone-Thanh Hoa can receive first tenants later in 2025. The complex will span 540 hectares upon completion.

The groundbreaking ceremony had the presence of Thanh Hoa authorities, representatives from the Nghi Son Economic Zone Management Board, officials of Hoang Giang, Hoang Phu, and Hoang Son communes, and partners, among others.

Their presence reflects the strong collaboration between WHA and local authorities since 2020 when the two sides signed their first MoU to expedite the project, WHA Group stated in a release.

“We believed in the potential of this region - and with today’s global supply chain shifts, Vietnam and Thanh Hoa in particular are now perfectly positioned to capture a new wave of strategic foreign direct investment,” said Pajongwit Pongsivapai, CEO of WHA Industrial Development Public Company Limited.

Pajongwit noted that WHA Smart Technology Industrial Zone 1-Thanh Hoa will be a world-class, modern, and environmentally friendly industrial zone. It is expected to transform the province’s industrial landscape to serve high-value industries of the future, including electronics, electrical appliances, automotive components, logistics, and supporting industries.

World-class infrastructure

WHA Smart Technology Industrial Zone 1-Thanh Hoa is developed under WHA’s Smart Eco Industrial Zone concept, integrating innovation, digitalization, and sustainability to deliver operational efficiency and environmental excellence.

The industrial zone will accommodate integrated utilities for water, power, and renewable energy with real-time efficiency management. It will possess eco-efficient infrastructure meeting international green standards and high-speed digital connectivity enabling smart operations and automation.

The zone will have circular resource management supporting sustainability goals and safe and smart mobility systems with LED lighting and smart security.

Together, these features will create a future-ready, low-carbon industrial ecosystem for global manufacturers.

Commitment to Vietnam’s sustainable growth

The groundbreaking ceremony marks a pivotal moment in WHA Group's commitment to driving innovation, sustainable growth, and economic prosperity.

Vietnam remains a key pillar of WHA Corporation PCL’s long-term strategy. To date, WHA commits approximately $360 million in investment capital across Vietnam, with projects in Hanoi, Hung Yen, Nghe An, and now Thanh Hoa province.

Looking ahead, WHA said it will continue to expand its footprint with not only in new Industrial zones development, but also in water and wastewater treatment, renewable energy, and logistics and industrial properties – all with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and partnership with local communities.

WHA Group is Thailand’s leader in fully integrated logistics, industrial estates, utilities, and power, as well as digital services. The group provides a comprehensive ecosystem that supports sustainable growth for both local and international investors.

Through its subsidiaries, WHA develops world-class industrial zones in Thailand and Vietnam, offering smart, eco-friendly infrastructure and total solutions that enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness.

As a key business under WHA Group’s industrial development portfolio, WHA Industrial Development Plc. (WHA ID), WHA Industrial Development Plc. (WHA ID) is a leading developer of industrial estates, utilities, power, and property solutions in Thailand and Vietnam.

The company possesses 16 world-class industrial zones totalling 12,600 ha of industrial land (9,000 ha operating and under development) in both Thailand and Vietnam. They are home to more than 1,110 corporate customers.

WHA Industrial Zones integrate smart technologies to create Smart Eco-Industrial Zones that foster sustainable development and operational excellence for global investors.