HiteJinro announced Thursday that it has officially kicked off construction of its first overseas soju production facility at the Green i-Park industrial complex in Thai Binh province, Vietnam.
The new plant is expected to serve as a key manufacturing and distribution hub for the global market, while also acting as a strategic base for expanding the reach of its Jinro brand.
The groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday was attended by some 160 guests, including HiteJinro CEO Kim In-kyu, HiteJinro overseas business Executive Vice President Hwang Jeong-ho and Jeong Seong-hoon, head of Jinro Soju’s Vietnam branch.
Vietnamese government officials, including Secretary of the Thai Binh Provincial Party Committee Nguyen Khac Than and Thai Binh Provincial Gov. Nguyen Manh Hung, were also present at the event.
"Vietnam was the first market for our overseas soju exports, so breaking ground on our inaugural international production facility here is highly meaningful," said CEO Kim. "This plant will act as a strategic gateway for expanding our presence in global markets, particularly in Southeast Asia. It also represents a crucial milestone in our journey toward becoming a global comprehensive liquor company."
HiteJinro’s Vietnam facility will be an advanced smart factory integrating cutting-edge technology across a site covering 82,083 square meters, an area roughly 11 times the size of a soccer field. The plant is slated for completion by 2026 and is projected to produce up to 5 million cases annually.
Last year, in celebration of its 100th anniversary, HiteJinro introduced its Global Vision 2030 initiative in Vietnam, positioning the country as a key base to strengthen Jinro’s competitive edge and establish it as a globally recognized brand in the international liquor market.
hykim@heraldcorp.com
