Interface dedicates Thailand factory to chairman and CEO

[Chonburi, Thailand] Interface announced it has dedicated its Thailand factory to honor current CEO and chairman of the board Daniel T. Hendrix. At a dedication ceremony on August 13, 2015 at the Amata Nakorn Industrial Park in Chonburi, Hendrix was joined by business associates, friends and family who were on hand to celebrate the special occasion. The group included Mr. Charoen Usanachitt, founder and chairman of Modernform Group Public Co., Ltd., the company’s original joint venture partner.

“This factory and its people hold a special place in my heart,” said Hendrix, who joined Interface in 1983 and has served as the company’s CEO since 2001. “It was a privilege to negotiate the original joint venture with Modernform, which resulted in a lifelong friendship with Charoen, and to choose the land upon which the factory would be built. It has been gratifying to watch the business grow, and even more gratifying to watch our local Interface associates integrate their own beautiful culture with the culture of Interface. It is truly uplifting, and I will remember this day as a highlight of my career.”

Hendrix was saluted by Interface associates, including Rob Coombs, president and CEO of Interface Asia-Pacific, who said, “When this factory was born, it gave our company a manufacturing stronghold in Asia and cemented our global presence. We have Dan to thank for leading the team, for this factory is now one of the safest, most productive and most efficient in our global portfolio. It is fitting that Interface honors Dan by dedicating the factory to him.”

Sangob (Sonny) Auloong, general manager for Interface Thailand, reflected on the growth and success the factory has enjoyed since its construction in 1996. Over nearly 20 years, it has: 
- Increased its workforce from 50 to 350 highly engaged, efficient and experienced staff that provide manufacturing, distribution, financial, and supply chain services to Interface’s customers throughout the Asia Pacific region.
- Served as home to the Universal Fibres regional yarn processing plant, and established a design center that services Interface’s Asia Pacific customers.
- Significantly increased its production capacity by expanding in 2007, thereby doubling its size and simultaneously becoming the first LEED certified building in Thailand.
- Served as a vital resource following the destruction of Interface’s Australian plant in 2012, and was instrumental in maintaining the success of Interface Australia’s business until its new plant was commissioned in 2014.

Auloong went on to say that the factory has always had a champion in Hendrix as it strives to help the company achieve its ambitious environmental and social goals. “The Thailand team has been inspired by Dan’s leadership to create a highly engaged and active program supporting a low environmental footprint and a strong connection with the local community. Most importantly, he understands that the critical factor for our success lies in our people and the culture in which we operate. Interface Thailand’s ability to foster a happy and productive workforce is a testament to his efforts in this area. He understands the importance of our culture.”


Interface CEO Daniel T. Hendrix is honored at dedication ceremony for the company's factory in Chonburi, Thailand.