Wisewoods Co., Ltd. - Reaping the benefits of cost-effective solar energy provided by WHAUP

Established in 2015, Wisewoods Co., Ltd. is part of a group of companies founded in 1979 by the Palarit family, specializing in the production of wood panels.  Located in Khao Yoi, Phetchaburi, the company manufactures high-quality Medium Density Fiber (MDF) boards, entirely made of rubber wood, for the furniture industry. One of the top 5 producers in Thailand, Wisewoods exports 60% of its production to the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iran), 30% to Asia (China, India, South Korea and Vietnam) with the remaining 10% for the Thai market.

Since its founding, Wisewoods has based its development on sustainability and innovation. Its manufacturing plant in Phetchaburi utilizes the latest technologies that meet European specifications. For instance, to protect communities around the facility and preserve the environment, it uses a special type of glue that is more eco-friendly, despite its higher cost. It has also installed its own wastewater management system.  “Implementing European standards facilitates exports to more markets overseas,” relates Mr. Visarut Palarit, Wisewoods Marketing Manager.

Wisewoods’ latest initiative is the use of solar energy, developed in collaboration with WHA Utilities and Power (WHAUP). “We considered several options, such as wind energy or burning sawdust for power, but we quickly saw the advantages of solar energy,” explains Mr. Visarut. “With electricity representing 15% of our total operational costs, solar energy enables us to reduce our expenses by up to a significant 5%,” he continues.

Through a 20-year partnership agreement, WHAUP has just completed the installation of two solar farms at Wisewoods’ premises, the first one on land with a capacity of 3.76 MW; and the second one as a floating unit with 1.23 MW, taking advantage of the plant’s numerous ponds and water reservoirs. Under the terms of the agreement, Wisewoods provided its land and ponds, and committed to buy the electricity generated by the solar panels from WHAUP. In return, WHAUP provided free installation and will be responsible for maintenance throughout the 20-year contract period.

Operational since February 10 this year, the solar farms’ total production of 4.99 MW is enough to supply the factory during the day, while at night, the company continues to buy electricity from the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA). “Our collaboration with WHAUP has been a win-win situation for both parties. We foresee a bright outlook for the development of more solar energy projects in our region that is blessed with abundant sunshine,” concluded Mr Visarut.

Contact Information:
Mr. Visarut Palarit
Marketing Manager
Wisewoods Co., Ltd
Tel. +66 32 706 563-4
www.wisewoods.co.th

Remarks: The article was written for WHA Group Newsletter April 2021 Vol. 50