A manufacturer of sterilisers for medical equipment in Thailand is branching out into the production of sterilised curry pastes for the domestic and export markets.
According to a report in the Bangkok Post, Chiangmai Med Tech Systems is spending about 10 million baht (€240,000) on the venture, which is being handled by Chiangmai MT Food, a subsidiary of the company.
A new factory is currently under construction on land adjoining the parent company's property. Completion is scheduled for 2004 with a capacity to make 30,000 sealed plastic bags per day of various types of curry paste. Each bag will contain 200 to 300 grammes, the report said.
Chiangmai Med Tech Systems current business is based on the supply of sterilisers to hospitals nationwide, according to marketing manager Sira Satrvech.
The company decided to make sterilised food ingredients, which have a shelf-life of one year, after observing the market's potential. The pastes are all made from local ingredients and are currently manufactured at the parent company's existing factory until the new plant is ready.
The company plans to take part in trade fairs and has been approached by exporters wanting to ship the pastes to the US, the EU and Japan.