Thai Beverage Can

The Challenge

Right outside the bustling city of Bangkok lies Thai Beverage Can (TBC), a market leader in the region for 2-piece aluminum can manufacturing. In April 2022, TBC decided to undertake a project unlike any other in the world: a high-speed DWI swing can and bottle line. TBC partnered with Belvac to help bring this vision to life. This partnership was not merely a business venture; it was a strategic response to the growing demand for innovative beverage packaging solutions in the ever-evolving Southeast Asian market.

As consumer preferences across the region shifted, TBC spotted a unique opportunity. The market was ripe for a packaging solution that could flexibly cater to diverse demands. They envisioned a brownfield project featuring an advanced swing-line production system—one capable of seamlessly alternating between bottles and standard cans. This bold move was designed not only to meet existing market needs but to anticipate future trends, allowing TBC to stay ahead of the curve.

The Solution

Belvac, renowned for its cutting-edge manufacturing equipment and engineering prowess, was the perfect partner for this endeavor. Their expertise was pivotal in bringing TBC's vision to life. By June 2023, the project had reached completion, showcasing a state-of-the-art facility that embodied both innovation and efficiency. The swing line became the focal point of the project, enabling TBC to respond nimbly to market fluctuations and expand its product offerings.

The creation of a new line in the existing 4-line manufacturing plant outside Bangkok was a testament to TBC's commitment to innovation. The plant boasted:

Swing Production Capability: Efficiently producing both beverage can bodies and bottles.

Impressive Production Capacity: Capable of 600 bottles per minute (250 million bottles annually) and 1,800 cans per minute (700 million cans annually).

Diverse Product Range: Offering two can and bottle sizes (310 ml and 500 ml) with ROPP end closure.

The project unfolded in two planned phases. The first phase, launched on September 25, 2023, marked the operational debut of the fifth production line at TBC's factory in the WHA Industrial Estate. This phase focused on 500ml regular cans and sleek DWI aluminum bottles, designed to captivate modern consumers. The subsequent phase, which went live on February 26, 2025, saw the expansion of Can Line 5, boosting the output by over 250 million cans annually. This phase incorporated more Bodymakers and Trimmers, as well as a new Decorator and Inside Spray Machines, further enhancing production speed and capacity.

At the core of the project was the unique swing line capability. The line, beginning with a Belvac Cupping Press and featuring sophisticated equipment such as the 595VE K Necker, enabled TBC to dynamically shift production between bottles and cans. This adaptability not only bolstered TBC's domestic bottle market development but also ensured a steady revenue stream from can production.

Other Case Studies

Recorp NZ

Recognizing a growing need for cans in New Zealand, Recorp NZ needed a supplier capable of supporting brands of all sizes to...