Top 10: Asia-Pacific Supply Chains

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Supply Chain Digital has taken a look at the top 10 APAC supply chains
Supply Chain Digital takes a look at the top 10 supply chains in the Asia-Pacific region

Supply chains in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region are vital to global commerce, driven by the region's manufacturing strength and diverse economies.

Its supply networks are characterised by their scale, complexity and reliance on advanced technologies like AI and automation.

Key industries, including electronics, automotive and consumer goods, thrive on efficient, resilient supply chains, enabling rapid adaptation to shifting demands and global market trends.

Here, Supply Chain Digital takes a look at the top 10 APAC supply chains. 

10. Komatsu

Founded: 1921
Employees: 64,000
Revenue: US$26.8bn
CEO: Hiroyuki Ogawa

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A world-leading maker of construction, mining and utility equipment, Komatsu operates manufacturing facilities across APAC, including in Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and India.

The organisation employs a centralised procurement system and has established overseas procurement centres in within each site, including those in Asia, to ensure consistent procurement activities.

Komatsu has also implemented multi-sourcing policies and strengthened inventory management to address widespread global supply chain disruptions.

9. Sony

Founded: 1946
Employees: 113,000
Revenue: US$89.8bn
CEO: Kenichiro Yoshida

Sony manufactures all manner of products, including cameras

As one of the technology world's most recognisable names, Sony commands an extensive supply chain. 

The organisation runs manufacturing facilities across the region, including Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand. In the latter, Sony Device Technology – its manufacturing device solution business – recently expanded its fab for image sensor assembly and other products.

Having faced supply chain instability both during and since COVID-19, Sony is investing in new production capabilities, including a TSMC chip facility in Japan.

8. Takeda Pharmaceuticals

Founded: 1781
Employees: 50,000
Revenue: US$28.2bn 
CSCO: Schuyler Fairfield

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With key manufacturing facilities in Singapore and Japan, Takeda Pharmaceuticals boasts a significant APAC supply chain presence.

Its Singapore biologics plant, opened in 2014, focuses on producing bulk drug substances for hematology products. Meanwhile, in Japan, Takeda is investing US$640m to build a state-of-the-art plasma-derived therapies facility in Osaka by 2030.

The company has implemented dual-sourcing strategies to de-risk its supply chain and is exploring multiple-sourcing options to enhance resilience. Takeda's procurement transformation has centralised operations, managing more than $6bn in spend. 

7. Hyundai Motor Company

Founded: 1967
Employees: 75,000
Revenue: US$129.6bn
CEO: José Muñoz

The Hyundai KONA

Hyundai is laser-focused on innovation within its manufacturing and supply chain operations. 

The organisation is in the midst of implementing a range of smart logistics solutions, leveraging 5G and AI technologies. Elsewhere, Hyundai and its subsidiary, Kia, have introduced a blockchain-based Supplier CO2 Emission Monitoring System (SCEMS) to manage carbon emissions across the supply chain

Hyundai's focus on flexible manufacturing, automated logistics and human-robot collaboration aims to reduce costs and improve efficiency in its APAC operations.

6. LG Electronics

Founded: 1958
Employees: 83,000
Revenue: US$67.1bn
CEO: William Cho

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With key manufacturing facilities in South Korea, China, Vietnam and India, producing a wide range of consumer electronics and home appliances, LG Electronics' APAC supply chain is both extensive and strategically positioned.

The organisation has, in recent years, implemented a comprehensive risk management strategy, including contingency plans and strategic safety stock purchases.

In 2022, in a bid to curb unnecessary spending in the procurement and supply chain department, LG Electronics established a cost control tower, or "war room", to manage expenses effectively.

5. Samsung

Founded: 1938
Employees: 260,000
Revenue: US$221.8bn
CEO: Han Jong-hee

Samsung makes numerous electronics including smartphones

Samsung's APAC supply chain is not only extensive but highly integrated.

The company operates manufacturing facilities across the region, including Vietnam, South Korea and China. In Vietnam alone, Samsung has 28 factories across 11 provinces, with 25 concentrated in the north. It also has specialised manufacturing sites in Korea and the US. 

Samsung's supply chain management spans product, process and people, contributing significantly to its success. It has implemented a global supplier relationship management to ensure responsible mineral sourcing and manage risks throughout its supply chain.

4. Lenovo

Founded: 1984
Employees: 69,500
Revenue: US$62.9bn
CSCO: Gerald Gross

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Lenovo is widely credited with having one of the Asia-Pacific region's most efficient supply chains. 

The company's success is attributed to its extensive network of more than 30 manufacturing sites across 180 markets, including China, India, and Japan

Lenovo has implemented a Supply Chain Intelligence control tower, leveraging AI and machine learning to synchronise planning, sourcing, manufacturing, delivery, and quality control. This has resulted in a 25% increase in inventory turnover, improved forecast accuracy and reduced order-to-delivery lead times. 

3. Alibaba Group

Founded: 1999
Employees: 205,000
Revenue: US$130.4bn
CEO: Eddie Wu

Alibaba Group's headquarters in China

Alibaba Group is a leading tech company specialising in retail and e-commerce. 

Its logistics arm, Cainiao Network, is driving revolutionary e-commerce logistics with smart warehouses and automated vehicles, while Alibaba Cloud provides AI-driven supply chain solutions, including end-to-end monitoring, demand forecasting and intelligent replenishment.

Elsewhere, Alibaba has implemented J.P. Morgan's SWIFT g4C for Corporates Inbound Tracking service, enhancing cross-border payment visibility for its 150,000 suppliers. The tool improves payment certainty, order cycle efficiency and overall supplier-buyer experiences.

2. JD.com

Founded: 1998
Employees: 517,000
Revenue: US$157bn
CEO: Sandy Ran Xu

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Chinese e-commerce powerhouse JD.com has been on a mission to significantly expand its APAC supply chain operations.

JINGDONG Property, its investment and asset management platform, recently acquired two strategic logistics assets in Tokyo and Nagoya, Japan. Meanwhile, JD Logistics plans to double its overseas warehousing capacity by the end of 2025 and, in Indonesia, JD Industrials is expanding local supply chain integration.

The organisation has also enhanced its global sales with improved shipping options to the US, Japan and Singapore, including free delivery for qualifying orders, strengthening its position in the context of APAC e-commerce. 

1. Toyota

Founded: 1937
Employees: 380,000
Revenue: US$300bn
CEO: Koji Sato

Toyota is one of the world's best known automotive manufacturers

Toyota's APAC supply chain is, unsurprisingly, extensive and well-established. The company operates 16 factories in Japan, with most located near Toyota City, and has manufacturing facilities in several APAC countries, including Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Toyota Motor Asia, formed last year following the integration of Toyota Motor Asia Pacific and Toyota Daihatsu Engineering and Manufacturing, supports 16 markets in the region.

The wider organisation is known for employing a centralised approach to logistics management, emphasising just-in-time assembly and high-frequency, small-lot deliveries to maintain efficiency and reduce costs.


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