Top 10: Manufacturing Companies in APAC

The manufacturing industry in the Asia-Pacific has undergone significant recent changes, driven by geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, changing consumer preferences, and the availability of skilled talent. 

As manufacturers face a dynamic and competitive market, the IDC predicts that 60% of APAC-based organisations will augment operational roles with automation technology by 2027 to increase efficiency and productivity.

Today Manufacturing Digital takes a look at the top 10 Manufacturers in the Asia-Pacific, ranked by revenue. 

10. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Founded: 1884

Employees: 80,000

CEO: Seiji Izumisawa

Revenue: US$26.7bn 

MHI has facilities located in Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. In Japan, its manufacturing bases focus on shipbuilding, aerospace, machinery, and energy systems. 

Meanwhile, China hosts MHI's production plants for power generation systems and heavy machinery, supporting local and regional infrastructure projects.

In Southeast Asia, MHI operates in countries like Thailand and the Philippines, focusing on air-conditioning systems, transportation, and industrial machinery.

MHI's APAC operations are integral to its global strategy, leveraging advanced technology and regional expertise to meet local market demands.

9. Tata Motors

Founded: 1945

Employees: 74,000

CEO: Guenter Butschek

Revenue: US$42.1bn 

In India, Tata Motors operates several advanced plants in locations such as Pune, Jamshedpur and Sanand. These facilities produce a wide range of vehicles including passenger cars, trucks, buses, and commercial vehicles, leveraging cutting-edge technology and stringent quality standards.

In Thailand, the company assembles pickup trucks primarily for the local market and export, whilst in South Korea, Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Company focuses on heavy-duty trucks, catering to both domestic and international markets.

Overall, Tata Motors’ APAC operations emphasise innovation, local market adaptation, and sustainable growth.

8. Panasonic Corporation

Founded: 1918

Employees: 240,000

CEO: Yuki Kusumi

Revenue: US$51bn 

The company has numerous production facilities across the region, including major plants in Japan, China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. These factories produce a wide array of products such as consumer electronics, home appliances, automotive components, batteries, and industrial solutions.

In Japan, Panasonic's operations focus on advanced technology and innovation, driving development in areas like energy solutions and high-end electronics.

China hosts large-scale manufacturing plants that serve both local and international markets, emphasising cost efficiency and large production volumes. 

Panasonic’s APAC operations emphasise quality, innovation, and sustainability, aligning with regional market demands and supporting its leadership in the global electronics industry.

7.  BYD Company Ltd.

Founded: 1995

Employees: 290,000

CEO: Wang Chuanfu

Revenue: US$59.1bn 

Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, BYD operates numerous production facilities across China, focusing on electric cars, buses, batteries, and electronics.

These facilities leverage advanced technologies to produce popular EV models like the Tang and Han, and a wide range of batteries and energy storage systems.

In India, BYD's plant in Chennai assembles electric buses and cars, catering to the growing demand for sustainable transportation.

BYD also has a significant presence in Japan, producing batteries and components for electric and hybrid vehicles.

6. LG Electronics

Founded: 1958

Employees: 75,000

CEO: William Cho

Revenue: US$64.4bn 

LG's key facility in South Korea focuses on high-tech products such as OLED displays, home appliances, and electronics, leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovation.

China hosts several LG manufacturing units producing a wide array of consumer electronics and home appliances, serving both local and international markets.

Vietnam has become a crucial hub for LG, with large-scale production facilities in Hai Phong focusing on assembling televisions, smartphones, and home appliances, benefiting from cost efficiencies and strategic location.

In India, LG's manufacturing operations in Pune and Noida produce a diverse range of products, including air conditioners, washing machines, and televisions, tailored to meet the demands of the local market.

LG's APAC operations emphasise quality, innovation, and regional adaptation, solidifying its position as a leader in the global consumer electronics industry.

5. Hitachi Ltd. 

Founded: 1910

Employees: 295,000

CEO: Keiji Kojima

Revenue: US$71.8bn 

In Japan, Hitachi's extensive facilities focus on advanced technology and innovation, producing everything from electrical equipment and machinery to information technology systems and automotive components.

In China, Hitachi operates multiple plants manufacturing a wide range of products, including home appliances, construction machinery, and railway systems, leveraging the region's manufacturing capabilities and market potential. 

Through continuous innovation and strategic partnerships, Hitachi supports regional infrastructure development and technological advancement, maintaining its leadership in the diversified manufacturing sector across the Asia-Pacific region.

4. Hyundai Motor Company 

Founded: 1967

Employees: 120,000

CEO: Jaehoong Chang

Revenue: US$109.8bn 

The company operates major production facilities in South Korea, India, China, and Indonesia.

South Korea is home to Hyundai’s largest manufacturing plant in Ulsan, which is the world’s biggest integrated automobile manufacturing facility, producing a wide range of vehicles for global markets.

In India, Hyundai has a significant presence with its Chennai plant, producing popular models like the i20 and Creta for domestic and export markets.

Hyundai’s APAC operations emphasise advanced manufacturing technologies, local market adaptation, sustainability, and reinforces its competitive edge and commitment to innovation in the automotive industry.

3. Foxconn Technology Group

Founded: 1974

Employees: 1.2m

CEO: Young Lui

Revenue: US$193.5bn 

Foxconn Technology Group, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd, has extensive APAC manufacturing operations, pivotal to its role as a leading global electronics manufacturer.

Key facilities are located in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, and Japan.

China hosts the majority of Foxconn's manufacturing capacity, with massive plants in Shenzhen, Zhengzhou, and Chengdu, producing a wide array of electronics, including smartphones, tablets, and computers for clients like Apple.

In Taiwan, Foxconn's operations focus on advanced research and development, alongside manufacturing components and precision tools.

Vietnam and India are rapidly growing hubs, with facilities in cities like Bac Giang and Chennai, respectively, assembling smartphones, and other consumer electronics, reducing dependency on Chinese production.

In Japan, Foxconn collaborates with Sharp Corporation, enhancing its expertise in display technology and advanced electronics.

Foxconn's APAC operations emphasise efficiency, innovation, and scalability, supporting its leadership in global electronics manufacturing.

2. Samsung Electronics

Founded: 1969

Employees: 290,000

CEO: Jong-Hee Han

Revenue: US$232bn 

South Korea hosts Samsung's most advanced manufacturing plants, focusing on semiconductor production, cutting-edge displays, and high-tech components.

Vietnam is also a significant hub, with large-scale factories in Bac Ninh and Thai Nguyen provinces producing smartphones, tablets, and other consumer electronics. These facilities are crucial for meeting global demand efficiently.

In China, Samsung operates several factories, though recent shifts have seen some production moving to other regions due to economic and geopolitical factors.

India has become increasingly important, with the Noida plant being one of the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturing facilities.

Samsung’s APAC operations emphasise innovation, efficiency, and local market adaptation, contributing to its leadership in consumer electronics and technology.

1. Toyota Motor Corporation

Founded: 1937

Employees: 370,000

CEO: Koji Sato

Revenue: US$256bn 

Toyota operates numerous production plants across key countries including Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

These facilities manufacture a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs, catering to diverse market needs.

In Japan, Toyota's primary manufacturing hub, the company focuses on advanced technology and high-quality standards.

Thailand serves as a major production and export base, especially for pickup trucks. Indonesia and Malaysia focus on producing affordable sedans and compact cars for local and regional markets. In India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor produces vehicles like the Fortuner and Innova.

These operations emphasise local procurement and production to meet regional demands efficiently.

Toyota's APAC strategy integrates innovation, sustainability, and quality, supporting its global leadership in the automotive industry.

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