The number of architectural and infrastructure projects is rapidly growing in Southeast Asia. This has been made possible by architects and construction firms–as well as by advances in building technology and materials that have allowed innovative developments, such as cement and concrete.
Photo by Barbara Hahijary and SCG Doc.
Points of origin
King Rama VI said that the development of Thailand would depend on infrastructure when he released a decree establishing The Siam Cement Public Company Limited (SCG) in 1913. Since that time, most buildings in Thailand have been built with materials provided by SCG that are high quality and locally made.
Early days
The first plant operated by SCG was located in Bang Sue, in the north of Bangkok, the Thai capital. Inaugurated by King Rama VI, the firm was run by a noble appointed by the monarch, along with Danish researchers and engineers. The firm’s first product, SCG Portland Cement, remains its best-selling product and has since been exported to several neighboring countries.
High tech
SCG has been developing innovative products for built environments for more than a century. Among its cement products is Tiger Décor White Cement, launched in 2016 and designed to preserve architectural heritage structures without ruining their original components. At the Architect Fair 2017 in Bangkok, the firm showcased its most recent technological advances: 3D-printed cement based products, the cement-based Fulfil soundproof wall system and Thermal Hybrid wall panels that can reduce external heat for up to 30 percent.
The factory today
In existence for more than 100 years, SCG has developed into the largest cement company in Southeast Asia. The firm operates in six countries with more then 53,000 employees. In most of the countries where it operates, the firm has received ISO 9002 certifications for quality management, ISO 14001 certifications for environmental management and TIS 18001 certifications for occupational health and safety management.
Salad days
When the SGC was launched in 1913, it produced basic grey cement, which it used to expand its plant in Bang Sue. One of the first buildings finished was the loading dock. In the early 20th century, Bangkok relied on a water transportation network for commuting and cargo. This made the loading dock vitally important to SCG: It was a port used to receive raw materials and ship out products. SCG has kept its first loading lock in the front garden of their office.
Later developments
In 2013, SGC celebrated its centennial by inaugurating a new headquarters building, located next to the firm’s old headquarters in the SCG Compound in Bang Sue. The new high-rise building adapts a green- building concept through solar panels, an automatic temperature-regulation system, insulated glass and other SCG Eco Value labeled products. SCG has also helped build other prominent buildings in Thailand, such as the 88-storey, 309-metre-tall Baiyoke Tower II skyscraper/hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.
Consistent values
Throughout all its product lines, SGC has consistently maintained modern manufacturing processes that have yielded high quality and high value added products that have ensured that customers can enjoy optimal results. For the last 20 years, members of SCG’s research-and-development team have given their best to make environmentally friendly products for the eco-design lifestyle.
New offerings
Since its founding, SCG has grown and diversified into three core business: SCG Cement-Building Materials, SCG Packaging and SCG Chemicals. Especially for SCG Cement-Building Materials, it offers SCG Cement, SCG Pipe and Precast, SCG lightweight concrete block and Jayamix by SCG – ready mix concrete in Indonesia to support regional infrastructure and developments. SCG continuously supports Southeast Asian countries to develop for the better future.