Celebrating its 35^th anniversary this year, PLE has firmly established itself in the global construction arena. Since its inception in 1988, the company has evolved from a purveyor of electromechanical contracts to a full-service construction and engineering firm involved in a multitude of high-profile projects, both domestically and internationally.

PLE's contributions to the Bangkok skyline stand as testament to its expansive reach and capabilities, with several landmark constructions under its belt. Notable projects include the 2007 mixed-use SOHO building, encompassing five subterranean levels, and the sprawling Chamchuri Square project, completed in 2008. Bolstering its portfolio are contributions to various prestigious office buildings, including the MEA and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission's new office.

The crowning achievement of PLE has been its role as the electromechanical contractor for the Thai Parliament House project, currently the largest parliamentary structure in the world.

2020 marked another milestone for PLE with the successful completion of a satellite airport in Bangkok, valued at approximately $404 million. The challenging project necessitated the installation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, along with an ICT network within a vast 220,000 square meter area. Despite the demanding requirements, PLE's skilled 4,000-strong team was able to complete the project, further cementing its reputation for technical prowess.

PLE's expertise in managing intricate electromechanical systems significantly strengthens the Hoa Lu consortium's competitive position for the airport project bid. The company's addition to the consortium boosts the alliance's collective capabilities, thereby increasing the probability of securing the prestigious contract.

Discussing PLE's participation in the consortium, chairman Swake Srisuchart said, “The Long Thanh International Airport project, which is approximately 1.5 times larger than PLE's recently completed satellite airport project, presents an opportunity for the company to leverage its expertise in electromechanical work, so it's a new challenge for us.”

“However, we are seasoned professionals, unequivocal leaders in the electromechanical sector in Thailand, and given PLE's extensive experience, we are fully equipped to navigate the complexity of this assignment with considerable finesse,” he added.

Srisuchart further noted that the magnitude of a venture like the Long Thanh International Airport necessitates collaboration from multiple parties.

"It demands an array of resources, significant manpower, and substantial finances, all of which are beyond the capacity of a single contractor. Each member will bring its own unique strengths and expertise as the consortium strives to meet the ambitious 36-month construction deadline," he said.

The geographical proximity between Thailand and the Long Thanh project, with only a one-hour flight away, was a decisive factor in PLE’s decision to participate.

In addition to delivering the new terminal at Suvarnabhumi on time and to standard, PLE successfully met the challenge of integrating operations of the new and the old terminal, built 20 years apart.

Bolat Duisenov, chairman of Coteccons Group, stressed the strategic significance of their alliance with PLE.

"The consortium is not an exercise in optics, it is a meticulously considered partnership, grounded in a rigorous evaluation of potential partners' credentials, capabilities, and a compatible work culture," he said.

“Our approach is to foster a symbiotic relationship between domestic and international expertise. The vision for the passenger terminal at Long Thanh International Airport is a complex yet rewarding challenge. Therefore, we endeavour to find partners with proven track records and work cultures that embraces and celebrate diversity and mutual respect,” Duisenov added.

The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) unveiled plans on July 5 for the construction of the $1.46 billion passenger terminal for Long Thanh International Airport to commence in August. The plans, known as 'Package 5.10', mark a significant milestone in the nation's ambitious three-phase airport project.

Tran Quang Tuan, chairman and CEO of Central Construction JSC, is optimistic that securing Package 5.10 would represent another significant leap in the international trajectory of Vietnamese construction companies. This breakthrough, he believes, will inspire other Vietnamese enterprises to compete on a global level, further highlighting the nation's economic and industrial potential.

Le Viet Hai, chairman of Hoa Binh Group, a member of the Hoa Lu consortium, emphatically stated his belief in the consortium's capabilities, saying, "We have the utmost confidence in the consortium's unrivalled expertise. We possess a wealth of local insights and a remarkable track record of delivering complex projects. Our fusion of local know-how and international expertise positions us perfectly to excel in the Long Thanh project."

The Hoa Lu consortium, comprises Coteccons JSC, UNICONS Investment LLC, Thanh An General Company, DELTA Construction Group LLC, Central Construction JSC, An Phong Construction JSC, Hoa Binh Construction Group JSC, and PLE.

It's one of three groups bidding for Package 5.10, a part of the first phase of an ambitious project overseen by the ACV, with Hoa Lu the only consortium headed by a Vietnamese firm.

The winners of the bid are expected to be announced at the end of this month.