The story of Pandora investing in a project of more than 150 million USD, using 100% renewable energy at VSIP 3 became exciting on the day the construction started. The day when the "green icon" VSIP 3 welcomed more eagles to nest here has renewed confidence in the province's green economic future.
Groundbreaking ceremony of Pandora Factory at VSIP 3
1. Under the hot summer afternoon sun, we rushed back to VSIP 3 to start construction on time for the $150 million jewelry factory of the famous Pandora fashion brand. Busy with the green projects that have been started and are being built. Busy because after more than 2 months of not coming to VSIP 3, how far has the Lego green factory been built there?
Smiling slightly at the questions that appeared in my mind, I imagined the joyful faces of workers on the Lego green construction site. The road back to VSIP 3 seemed more bustling, hidden behind the hot sun and dust of the under construction DT746 route, VSIP 3 gradually appeared.
Walking around the existing buildings and land areas waiting for projects, I remembered the day VSIP 3 had just started construction. In a conversation, Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Dinh Thien, former Director of the Vietnam Institute of Economics, affirmed that: “The establishment of VSIP 3 is also a way to declare the determination to build a new industrial ecosystem - a high-tech industrial ecosystem, qualitatively different from the "old industrial ecosystem" developed in Binh Duong with VSIP 1 and 2. This is also a way to announce a change in the province's FDI attraction strategy, which is to prioritize high technology, high added value, less environmental pollution, and develop the digital economy and green economy."
It is certainly not a coincidence that Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Dinh Thien made that comment. At this point, even the most skeptical person must agree when an industrial park is oriented towards green and sustainable development with new, synchronous designs on the use of energy, water, waste, traffic management and security are taking shape. A 50-hectare solar farm will provide on-site electricity for large factories in the industrial park, contributing to environmental protection. All are evidence of the province's implementation of major breakthrough strategies. There, green production is an important link with the digital ecosystem and innovation being strongly developed, bringing a better and more convenient life to the whole community.
The Lego Factory construction site in May 2024
2. Currently, the Lego Factory project worth 1.3 billion USD is being built speedily, the general operating building is almost completed. Looking at Lego, the hustle and bustle of construction site labor is as colorful as the life of aspiring youth. I remember the bright faces when I went to the Lego Factory last November during the announcement ceremony and gratitude for 3 million hours of safe work. From the investors, general contractors, subcontractors, management units and all workers working on the project, everyone was full of happiness. With a blushing face, Preben Elnef, Vice President of Lego Group and General Director of Lego Vietnam Company, continuously mentioned the two words "happiness: “I am both happy and proud that Lego Manufacturing Vietnam has achieved 3 million continuous safe working hours. Safety in a complex and difficult environment, in harsh weather conditions is a wonderful thing."
“The Lego factory at VSIP 3 is designed to be the Lego Group's most sustainable factory up to now. The factory will have solar panels installed on its roof and a solar farm will be built on the neighboring land. Energy from these two sources will meet the total annual energy demand for the plant. The factory will use the most advanced energy-saving production equipment, and the buildings and production processes are designed to minimize energy use,” Mr. Preben Elnef emphasized.
The Pandora Factory will be completed in 2026
3. On Pandora's groundbreaking day, the number of guests was quite large and the weather was hot, but the story of Pandora investing in a project of more than 150 million USD, using 100% renewable energy, positively contributing to the goal of green transformation in Vietnam, became more excited than ever. The prospect of this group's first carbon-neutral factory in the world, once operational, creating jobs for about 7,000 silversmiths, with a capacity of 60 million jewelry products per year becomes attractive.
It was pouring with thunderstorms in the afternoon, so we stayed and waited for Mr. Alexander Lacik, General Director of Pandora Group, to hear more detailed information about the journey to bring a "green" Pandora to Binh Duong. Mr. Alexander Lacik said that Pandora researched 27 countries around the world before deciding to build a factory in Binh Duong. First of all, Vietnam has a long tradition of handicrafts, with many skilled artisans. The Government of Vietnam and Binh Duong province always create many favorable conditions and good incentives. Binh Duong and VSIP 3 have good infrastructure and convenient transportation because most of Pandora's products are exported. "Most special is the enthusiasm, support and strong commitment from the provincial government" Mr. Alexander Lacik said.
Like Lego, the Pandora Factory will be powered by 100% renewable energy and will be built to LEED Gold standards - the leading green building certification. This will contribute to realizing Pandora's sustainability goals of halving carbon emissions across the entire supply chain by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2040. The factory will be equipped with advanced manufacturing technology and optimized with digital solutions.
The way back to VSIP 3 today
On the way home at dusk, we thought about a future of green industry and green economy at VSIP 3, in Tan Uyen, Bac Tan Uyen and the whole area of Binh Duong. That is no longer a scenario but is very close, gradually coming into existence...
Reported by Tieu My - Translated by Ngoc Huynh
