Aekyung Chemical has completed a major expansion of its Vietnamese operations, strengthening its position in Southeast Asia’s growing chemicals market.
The South Korean company held a ceremony on Feb. 27 in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam, to mark the completion of its “Lotus Project” – named after Vietnam’s national flower. The project expanded the company’s surfactant plant and added production capabilities for unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) through its local subsidiary, AK Vina.
With the expansion, AK Vina has increased its surfactant production capacity from 16,000 tons to 40,000 tons annually, while adding 37,000 tons of annual UPR production capacity. This positions the company as the largest producer of these chemicals in Vietnam.
The ceremony drew about 100 attendees, including Aekyung CEO Pyo Kyung-won and local government officials. Pyo cited the company’s improved productivity and safety standards, saying they would enable better products and services for clients.
Vietnam has become increasingly attractive for South Korean manufacturers seeking to diversify their production bases due to its rapid economic growth, strategic location, and young workforce. Dong Nai Province, where AK Vina operates, is part of Vietnam’s Southern Key Economic Zone and offers proximity to Ho Chi Minh City’s transportation networks.
The move reflects a broader trend of chemical companies expanding in Southeast Asia to improve regional supply chain resilience and capitalize on the region’s industrial growth.
