South Korean liquor maker HiteJinro started construction of its first overseas production facility in Vietnam’s Thai Binh Province, marking a key step in its regional expansion plans.
The 82,083-square-meter plant, equivalent to 11 soccer fields, will feature advanced automation technology with an annual production capacity of 5 million cases when it opens next year. The facility aims to serve as a hub for the company’s Southeast Asian operations.
HiteJinro CEO Kim In-Kyu said the Vietnam plant represents a critical milestone in the company’s global strategy. The move follows the announcement of HiteJinro’s Global Vision 2030 plan last year during its centennial celebration.
The expansion leverages Vietnam’s growing industrial base and capitalizes on rising regional demand for soju, the Korean distilled spirit that has gained popularity alongside Korean cultural exports.
The Thai Binh facility, located in the Green I-Park Industrial Complex, symbolizes a shift in HiteJinro’s approach from exports to local production. Vietnam served as the company’s first soju export market, making it a strategic choice for manufacturing investment.
Local officials, including Thai Binh Province Secretary Nguyen Khac Than, attended the groundbreaking, highlighting the project’s significance for regional development.
