How ANCA’s Southeast Asian expansion powered growth and innovation in Australia

In a world increasingly defined by global supply chains and rapid innovation, Melbourne-based ANCA stands out as a remarkable Australian success story.

Founded in 1974, this privately owned company began with a modest operation in Victoria and has evolved over 5 decades into a world leader in the design and manufacture of CNC grinders. These high-precision machines produce cutting tools used to shape virtually every material object in our daily lives.

With approximately 1,500 employees worldwide, ANCA exports 98% of its products to over 50 countries. The millions of cutting tools ANCA’s technology produces each year have a global impact the company could not have achieved without its strategic investment into Thailand.

A cost-competitive manufacturing location

What sets ANCA apart is not just its advanced technology, but its ability to compete head-on with established European precision engineering firms. In a sector where Swiss and German manufacturers often dominate, ANCA has carved out a leadership position built on engineering excellence, agility and forward-thinking strategy.

As the company grew, it recognised that maintaining competitiveness would mean looking beyond Australia for opportunities to scale production, lower costs, and get closer to key markets.

It was this strategic vision that drove ANCA’s decision to invest in Southeast Asia nearly 2 decades ago. Around 2004, the company began assessing various countries — China, Malaysia, Singapore, India and Thailand — as potential manufacturing hubs.

Thailand emerged as the most promising option, offering a supportive government approach, strong incentives through its Board of Investment, and accessible logistics.

‘We wanted to remain cost-competitive,’ says ANCA Group CEO Martin U. Ripple. ‘We were looking for a location that would let us be closer to our customers and diversify our operations.’

A tale of continuous expansion 

By March 2025, ANCA will mark 20 years of operations in Thailand, a milestone that tells a story of steady growth and adaptation. In the early days, the company started small, renting a modest assembly facility with about 25 staff. Initially, Thailand handled only low-skill assembly work. But as the local team grew more confident and capable, operations expanded exponentially.

Over time, ANCA moved its Thai base 3 times, each time stepping into a larger, more sophisticated facility. Today, the Thai operations employ more than 440 people.

‘We’ve now got 5 plants in Thailand, with full manufacturing, assembly, testing and shipping,’ says Yanisa Ninlawong, General Manager, ANCA Thailand. ‘Our capabilities and capacities have grown continuously.’

This expansion in Thailand didn’t just help ANCA meet rising global demand — it also relieved pressure on the Australian plant. By offloading some volume manufacturing tasks to Southeast Asia, ANCA’s operations in Melbourne could channel more resources into high-value R&D and complex innovation projects.

‘Australia remains our brain,’ notes Ripple. ‘We keep the technical specialists and high-tech development in Australia, while Thailand focuses on production. That synergy helps ensure we’re always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with CNC technology.’

ANCA Group CEO Martin U. Ripple with staff members at an ANCA facility in Thailand.

Austrade paves the way to market success

To navigate the complexities of setting up abroad, ANCA worked closely with Austrade.

‘If you enter a new country with no prior contacts, you need a place to start,’ explains Ninlawong. ‘Austrade helped make introductions, provided market data, clarified regulatory questions, and connected us to the right government officials.’

This support accelerated the company’s learning curve, reduced missteps, and saved invaluable time. ‘You can do it alone, but it’s slower,’ says Ninlawong. ‘Austrade helped us avoid mistakes and get to the right people quicker.’

Improved competitiveness, deeper cultural understanding

The benefits of ANCA’s Southeast Asian investment radiate back to Australia in multiple ways. By refining supply chains, improving scale, and increasing competitiveness, the company has bolstered its global presence, which in turn strengthens its local operations. The enhanced profitability supports further R&D investment in Melbourne, fuelling continuous innovation.

Meanwhile, cultural exchange between Australian and Thai teams develops richer skill sets on both sides. Thai employees travel abroad to support installations. Australian staff gain insight into the region’s markets — an experience that enriches the entire business ecosystem.

From a broader perspective, ANCA’s journey underscores why strong trade and investment ties between Australia and Southeast Asia matter. The region’s booming economies, rising middle classes, and rapid urbanisation are fuelling demand for infrastructure, consumer goods, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

‘Asia is where the music will be playing for the next 50 years,’ says Ripple. ‘By engaging deeply with Southeast Asia, Australian firms tap into growth opportunities that help them stay relevant, agile and forward-looking. These relationships foster political goodwill, economic resilience and mutual prosperity.’

Future plans

Looking to the future, ANCA shows no signs of slowing down. The company anticipates ongoing expansion in Thailand—both to serve the booming regional markets and to support a pipeline of new products. As it approaches its 20th anniversary in Thailand, ANCA plans to celebrate not just a milestone, but also the long-term partnerships that helped make it a reality.

For other Australian businesses considering a similar move, ANCA’s experience offers practical advice. First, define a clear, long-term strategy rather than seeking quick fixes. Second, engage with Austrade or similar agencies for guidance and connections. Third, commit to overcoming challenges — such as language barriers and skill development — by investing in people and building trust.

‘It might not always be smooth sailing, but the rewards are well worth it,’ says Ripple.

ANCA’s story demonstrates that with careful planning, the right partnerships, and a willingness to adapt, Australian companies can thrive in Southeast Asia. The result is a cycle of innovation, growth and opportunity that benefits both sides: a more competitive Australian industry at home, and a dynamic, forward-looking presence abroad.

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