Bapcor Limited opened its first Burson Auto Parts store outside of Australia on Aug. 10 in the central Bangkok suburb of Bangbon, Thailand. The occasion was marked with a grand-opening ceremony to celebrate the joining of two cultures, bringing an Australian automotive aftermarket brand to Thailand.
Burson Auto Parts’ first store was opened in Australia in 1971 and the company has steadily grown to become the nation’s leading trade supplier of automotive parts, tools, accessories and equipment for more than four decades. The company says this opening is the first step for its international expansion plans.
“Burson Auto Parts Thailand represents an exciting new step in our international growth plans for the company. Our brand new multi-level store in Bangbon delivers the Thai automotive trade and automotive enthusiasts a one-stop-shop for everything that they require in automotive parts, accessories, tools and equipment,” said Darryl Abotomey, Bapcor Limited CEO and managing director.
“Our entry into Thailand also represents exciting local career opportunities for people seeking to develop a long-term career in Thailand’s constantly growing automotive aftermarket industry, as this is the first of several stores that we are planning to open in the country to best serve local automotive workshops and the aftermarket industry,” said Abotomey, who was present at the grand opening.
Bapcor’s strategic partner in the establishment of Burson Auto Parts’ Thailand operations, the Sammitr Group, brings vast local automotive industry expertise and efficiencies to the Australian company, ensuring the best possible product range and service well into the future for Thai-based automotive passenger or commercial vehicle service and repair centers.
According to Darryl Gray, the grand-opening ceremony of this major Australian company’s first store in the country was a highly memorable event. “Festivities started from the morning and extended throughout the day, with many customers and the local media enjoying their first Burson Auto Parts store experience and meeting our 11-member staff team,” said Gray. “No foreign company has managed to establish a multi-store operation in the Thai auto parts market, which is composed mainly of small operators with one or two stores.
“We plan to open a number of stores in Thailand this year and to eventually have more than 20 stores selling premium international brands alongside local brands. Thailand has a mature automotive market with a good supply chain,” said Gray.
The first Burson Auto Parts store to open outside of Australia offers 1,600 square meters (around 17,200 square feet) of store space across multiple levels. The company features premium-quality OE parts and leading global automotive aftermarket parts brands, along with local Thai automotive parts brands, providing every level of product for every vehicle application.
