The Journey of Summit Chugoku Seira Co., Ltd
From a Small Beginning to a Leader in High-Quality Fastener Manufacturing
For nearly three decades, Summit Chugoku Seira Co., Ltd. (SCS) has continuously evolved—from a small business operating only a few machines to becoming a trusted manufacturer of fasteners (nut-bolt) for the automotive industry, serving leading customers both domestically and internationally. The company’s growth reflects the dedication of its founders, management team, and every employee who has worked together to strengthen the organization through each era.
A Beginning Built on Thai–Japanese Collaboration
The story of SCS originates from Chugoku Seira in Hiroshima, Japan, which sought to expand its production base into Thailand. In searching for a like-minded partner, it found the Summit Group.
In 1996, Mr. Chuthong Patanamerueng, then President of Summit Group, spearheaded the establishment of the Thai operations. The first factory was located on Sathupradit Road, equipped with only three machines—Forming Machine, Tapping Machine, and Inspection Machine—imported from Japan. At the time, SCS had only 10–20 employees, but was filled with determination and energy to build a new business.
The first product manufactured by the company was the Billing Nut for the automotive industry, marking the beginning of SCS’s reputation as a high-quality fastener producer that met Japanese standards.
A Path of Growth and a Major Relocation
As the business grew, SCS relocated its production base to Amata City Industrial Estate, Chonburi Phase 3, on an area of around 5 rai. This move significantly increased the company’s production capacity.
Later in 2006, when Summit Group acquired 100% of the shares, the company moved to its current location in Amata City Industrial Estate, Chonburi Phase 7, covering 18 rai. This milestone ushered SCS into a new era of organizational development and marked the beginning of fully Thai-led management and expertise.
Entering a New Era of Technology and Knowledge
During its early years, SCS gained know-how from its Japanese partners. However, after the Japanese advisors phased out, the company began developing its own expertise.
A major turning point was the establishment of the Engineering Department about 5–6 years ago. This initiative enhanced the company’s capabilities in a structured way. The engineering team grew through hands-on experience until they could design and troubleshoot production processes professionally.
Another notable achievement was SCS’s investment in over 20 Inspection Camera Technology systems—making it one of the first companies in Singapore to adopt this technology before it later expanded to Taiwan and evolved into one of the critical pillars of the company’s modern quality control system.
A Golden Era of Growth in the Automotive Industry
The peak of growth occurred around 2010–2011 during the “First Car Policy” era, when Thailand’s automotive production reached 2.4 million units per year. As a result, SCS’s revenue soared past one billion baht. Despite not having many machines at the time, the entire team worked at full capacity to meet customer demand.
Under the leadership of Mr. Santi Patanamerueng, the current Managing Director, international-standard management systems were introduced, significantly improving business performance, internal operations, and the engineering team’s capabilities—positioning SCS to compete in an increasingly demanding market.
Stability Through Crises and Responsibility Toward Employees
Throughout the years, SCS has faced multiple global economic crises—from the Asian Financial Crisis and the 2008 financial crisis, to Thailand’s major flood and the COVID-19 pandemic. With prudent financial management, the company remained stable and operational.
Importantly, SCS has never laid off employees due to economic conditions. Management believes that “a poor economy is not the employees’ fault.” This philosophy has earned deep trust and loyalty from staff, becoming a driving force that keeps the company strong.
The company also supports employee development—sending staff for bachelor’s degree programs, providing engineering training, and creating opportunities for career growth.
International Standards and Customer Confidence
To meet the high demands of the automotive industry, SCS continuously maintains certified quality standards, including:
- IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 (2017)
- ISO 14001 (2018)
SCS’s customer base is 100% within the automotive sector—an industry that requires the highest levels of quality and reliability.
The Road Ahead: From Fasteners to High-Value Solutions
SCS envisions a future focused on value-added innovation, not merely standard part manufacturing. Future directions include:
- Tapping / CNC / Machining work
- Process Assembly to enhance product value
- Developing more complex components
In the future, the company may expand into producing its own tools, depending on opportunities and organizational readiness—keeping the door open for new possibilities.
For international markets, the company is currently building team capability to expand exports, which represents a significant long-term opportunity.
More Than 30 Years of Commitment and Sustainable Growth
From a small factory on Sathupradit Road to a world-class facility in Amata City, Chonburi
From 10 employees to a team of dedicated professionals
From a Thai–Japanese joint venture to a fully Thai-managed company
Summit Chugoku Seira Co., Ltd. continues to innovate, develop its people, and grow alongside Thailand’s automotive industry—with a commitment to excellence in every process and delivering the best fasteners to customers around the world.