Mr. Taiji Umemura, Deputy Managing Director of Rinnai (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of water heaters, heating appliances, and household and industrial equipment, discussed the overall market growth of household appliances in Thailand. He noted that the past 2-3 years, during the COVID-19 pandemic, saw significant growth in this product category due to the necessity of living and working from home, as well as cooking at home. Most people have prioritized convenient appliances for maintenance, repair, and replacement of electrical devices and furniture. Rinnai's products, particularly gas stoves and water heaters, benefited from this trend, leading to substantial growth in these two categories. Last year (2023), the company reported total revenue exceeding 900 million baht.

This year, as the situation returns to normal, the growth of products is also stabilizing, with an expected overall revenue of around 1,000 million baht, reflecting a growth of approximately 6-7%. To achieve its growth targets, Rinnai has adjusted its marketing strategy by diversifying its product range and aligning offerings with consumer behavior. A key approach is incorporating technology to enhance product functionality and efficiency, alongside innovations in production processes such as automation systems, robotic arms, and the use of clean energy from solar rooftop installations to generate electricity for production. These initiatives aim to elevate standards, enhance safety, and promote sustainable environmental practices while helping to stabilize production costs despite rising raw material and energy prices. Overall, this has not impacted Rinnai's costs or product pricing at this time.

Mr. Sompol Prechawutinan, General Manager of Rinnai (Thailand) Co., Ltd., discussed Rinnai's product development to meet consumer demands. Research on consumer behavior revealed that working-age Thais are increasingly health-conscious and cautious about their consumption. The ongoing and intensifying PM2.5 problem has led to a demand for products or devices that can treat, alleviate, and ensure health safety. Based on this information and the development of product technology from the parent company in Japan, Rinnai's range hoods have been enhanced with plasma technology, featuring a modern design that effectively eliminates cooking odors, bacteria, viruses, and PM2.5 dust.

Modern consumers prefer products that reflect their lifestyle, with distinctive designs. The company has introduced the G-Line series, a high-end kitchen set developed by Rinnai Japan, featuring meticulous design and a dominant black color that symbolizes strength. The G-Line series is highly popular among renowned artists and stylists in Japan. In addition to its unique design, it includes the safety technology Si Sensor, which detects high temperatures and automatically reduces the flame. It also automatically shuts off the gas if left on for more than two hours. The Si Sensor technology is available not only in the G-Line series but also in models such as Howaro C, Howaro, Vamo, and many others.

Moreover, in the water heater segment, it has been observed that more Thais are opting for warm showers as they help relieve fatigue. Taking a warm shower at a stable and appropriate temperature effectively cleanses dirt and relaxes the body. Rinnai has introduced two new models in this category: FON and KIN Elegant Black, both distinguished by their modern design and top-notch safety features.

The Rinnai brand has been operating in Japan for over 104 years and has successfully established itself as the number one brand in household appliances. Currently, Rinnai operates in 34 countries, with products available in over 80 countries worldwide. Its main product categories include household appliances such as gas stoves, electric stoves, range hoods, and ovens, as well as water heaters and heating products for residences, such as heaters and underfloor heating systems. Rinnai holds the number one position in the gas appliance category in Indonesia and Korea and is also the leading brand in water heaters in the American and Australian markets.

For more information about Rinnai products, please visit www.rinnaithailand.com, Facebook Rinnai Thailand - Official Fanpage, Line official account @rinnaithai or call 0-2312-1438-40.