Thailand’s oldest cement firm turns to 3D printing to revolutionize its business

Company Overview - Siam Cement Group (SCG) is Thailand's oldest cement firm, founded in 1913, and has grown to become the largest building materials company in Thailand with a projected revenue of $14.5 billion for 2024 [6][7] - SCG operates in three core businesses: cement and building materials, chemicals, and packaging, and has expanded its operations to other parts of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Vietnam [6][7] Technological Innovation - SCG has introduced 3D printing technology in construction, aiming to bring new construction materials to Southeast Asia, with notable projects including the world's first 3D printed medical center in Saraburi, Thailand [2][4] - The 3D printing process allows for unique architectural designs and shorter construction times by eliminating the need for traditional molds or formwork, enabling freeform architecture [3][4] Industry Challenges - The construction industry in Thailand faces challenges due to an aging population and a shrinking workforce, leading to a reliance on foreign workers from neighboring countries like Cambodia and Myanmar, with over 1.2 million Cambodian workers in Thailand's construction sector [5] - Despite the advantages of 3D printing, current limitations restrict the height of 3D printed buildings to one or two stories due to material constraints related to structural loads and stability [5]