Sadawut Taechaubol, chief executive officer of Country Group Holdings Plc (CGH), announced that the company had increased its shares in Padaeng Industry Public Company Limited (PDI) to 20.34 percent, making it the company’s number one major shareholder. This investment was made to open up a new business avenue for CGH as its present business is still mining and zinc processing plants (to produce pure and mixed zinc). Although the said business’s concession will end in about a year, the company is looking into expansion in areas such as pre-existing mines in both Thailand and oversea, or widening the horizon into alternative energy.

“Throughout this year, the company should continue to emphasize the core business, which has done wonderfully and played a vital role in setting a foundation through which to enter into other fields. In regards to new ventures, we need to look for something suitable since we just recently became a major shareholder (in PDI). We are in the preliminary stage in strategizing our business expansion plan. Due to the confidentiality, I can’t disclosed much details.” Mr. Sadawut said.

The shift to those of Thai nationality as major shareholders is geared to support and maintain sustainable growth for the business. PDI also retains its original strategy of expanding from the zinc industry to the metal, energy, and (ecologically friendly) waste elimination management industries.