Nokia putting up manufacturing plant in Vietnam

MANILA, Philippines - Reaffirming its strategy to connect the next billion to information and the Internet, Nokia kicked off the development of its manufacturing facility in Vietnam to serve the growing demand for mobile phones all over the world.

Located at the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park in Bac Ninh province, the Nokia manufacturing facility is being developed on an area of 17 hectares. Nokia expects to start operations of this factory in early 2013. 

The event is one step further in reaffirming Nokia’s long-term commitment to the Vietnamese market, under its strategy to connect the next billion people to information and the Internet.

Nokia’s position in high-growth economies is strong, and mobile phones play a strategic role. The new manufacturing site is being established to meet the growth in demand for these phones, as well as to help Nokia deliver a contemporary mobile experience to the next billion consumers all over the world.

Mary McDowell, Nokia executive vice president for mobile phones, said, “The new Nokia manufacturing plant will produce and provide new devices for compelling and affordable, localized mobile experiences, particularly in the growth markets.”

“Nokia is also committed to extending our positive reputation as an employer and as a corporate citizen. We expect to attract competent and energetic employees from the local skilled labor force. And in turn, employees at our new factory can expect a state-of-the-art facility and a positive, modern working environment with high professional and ethical standards,” McDowell added. 

Nokia is making progress in its strategy to connect the next billion. It has launched an “aspirational” portfolio of devices that include fresh, contemporary design and form factors that are optimized for great experiences, such as social, entertainment, and messaging, and services that extend the value proposition to consumers.

Nokia first opened its doors in Vietnam in 1996 and, like many successful multinationals, saw Vietnam as a growing market with opportunity and potential. Nokia currently operates two representative offices in Vietnam: one in Ho Chi Minh City and the other in Hanoi. These offices carry out marketing and promotional activities for Nokia’s handset business.

In 2011, Nokia put up a branch office in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, increasing its footprint within the Indochina region.

In November 2011, Nokia formed a new company, Nokia (Vietnam) LLC, to build and operate the new manufacturing facility.