When hearing “TPI”, many may think of cement, ready-made mortar, or building materials related to structural work, plastering, and masonry. However, upon getting to know the brand, you will realize that in addition to the above-mentioned products, TPI also features others related to building materials.
Get to know the TPI brand through a conversation with Dr. Nithipong Vikitseth, Deputy Managing Director, Corporate Planning, TPI Polene Public Company Limited, who will share the brand’s outlook on product development, growth direction and other perspectives to prepare for Architect’24.
Experience builds on products
Before fully exploring product details, one interesting thing is how the experience gained from Architect’23 defines TPI’s perspective on product development? Dr. Nithipong answered that, “The Architect Expo is a source of innovative knowledge, which inspires entrepreneurs, architects, engineers and those with such professions to create various works that reflect the direction of market demand. It is considered a driving force for the brand to constantly develop its potential and create new innovations for sustainability in society and respond to the needs of consumers.”
Integrating technology towards Smart Material
With a variety of products, TPI’s customers can be categorized into 2 groups: the End User group and the Business Partner, which Dr. Nithipong gave the reason that “for the End User group, the brand wishes its products to meet their needs in terms of design, safety, convenience, and value for money.”
“As for the Business Partner group, TPI wishes to integrate technology to create a system for various uses, such as TPI furniture board with its tough texture, being lightweight, moisture resistant, and anti-termite, suitable for furniture manufacturers with the goal to reduce such issues. TPI furniture boards can be adapted to further develop furniture as well.”
TPI develops toward sustainability
Sustainability is the main factor in product and business development as several companies are now adapting by developing products in line with sustainability trend. Criticisms toward companies not being green may disappear in the future because the issue of sustainability has become more involved in consumer decision-making during today’s era.
TPI, a leading brand of building products, is one of the companies that adheres to the concept of sustainability. “TPI has several sustainability projects, many of which have already been carried out and are already showing results, such as processing waste into energy on an industrial scale, developing bio-organic technology for agriculture, developing energy-saving products as well as other future projects. TPI emphasizes on using energy no more than necessary, giving importance to the environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero.”
“Products have been developed to fulfil the need of energy saving aspect, such as facade panels made from low-priced fiber cement, posing no fire risk and it is a system with insulation that can help reduce energy in the building. This includes fiber cement boards that can be designed to suit installation, reduce construction waste, pollution and expenses.”
Perspective on foreign products
Currently, most of the imported building materials are cheaper than those manufactured domestically as foreign manufacturers often have the advantage of access to lower-priced raw material sources. Dr. Nithipong gave a perspective on foreign products that, “domestic manufacturers may have to earn lower profits or develop a production system with lower costs while still maintaining quality.”
“In the case where the competition still focuses only on the price, some manufacturers may need to produce at the lowest possible cost by having the quality to only pass the minimum criteria. The risk will fall on the consumers, who may be able to have cheap products the first time, but in the long run, the cost with repairs or replacements be may higher.”
Knowledge exchange area at Architect’24
When asked about what TPI expects for the upcoming Architect’24, it gives an interesting perspective, “the brand sees Architect’24 as a space for disseminating and exchanging academic and professional knowledge. It is also a showcase of modern materials and technology, including innovations that respond to consumers. TPI can easily reach a large target group and cover all related professions. All of which can be achieved within budget. The brand expects that Architect’24 will offer new demands from the target group for brands to expand their products.”
Bringing out the highlighted products at Architect’24
From past Architect Expo, which gives TPI the opportunity to learn about current user trends, leading to the development of highlighted products ready to be presented at Architect’24, “TPI has developed innovative fiber cement boards, which are fire-retardant, chemical resistant and environmentally friendly.”
There are also 3 types of decorative products that have been further developed using technology:
Furniture boards
Comes with excellent ability to secure screws or other furniture equipment. The boards are lightweight, and are easy to drill and cut into, preventing termites and insects. They are non-flammable and can be used as a decorative covering, suitable for furniture or interior decoration and has been patented from abroad. In terms of material, it has a low density of 900 kg/ m³.
TPI Wood and TPI Marble
TPI wood and marble panels are manufactured with high-quality, high-resolution printing machines. The print has beautiful patterns resembling natural wood and marble. It is anti-termite, moisture resistant, non-flammable and affordable.
Door frames and panels
The door frames and panels do not decay, while being effectively attached to screws, do not swell, prevent termites, and are moisture resistant. They come in standard sizes with convenient and fast installation. Its properties are similar to those of wood and can be used with woodworking tools. They are easy to attach with hinge screws without drilling and can be attached to soundproof materials such as recording studios, etc. TPI frames have been patented from abroad. It is a new innovation in materials. The doors have been tested more than 200,000 times, reflecting their toughness and durability.
Experience products with technology that cover and respond to all needs of users from TPI Polene Public Company Limited at booth No. F642 at Architect’24, the 36th ASEAN’s Largest Building Technology Exposition during 30 April – 5 May, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.
