STC GROUP

RICE CRACKER (SMTC CO.,LTD.)

SMTC PROFILE PICTURES

1. Type of Business	Rice Cracker Manufacturer
2. Established	1990
3. Factory Location	118 Moo 9 Soi Watmahawong, Poochaosamingprai Road, Phrapradang, Samutprakarn 10130, Thailand
4. Capacity	4,000 Tons/year
5. Shareholders	SMTC is a joint Thai - Japanese company. Its ownership is shared between The STC Group (S), Mitsubishi/Japan (M), and Thai MC (TC). The STC Group, is a diversified holding company of twenty two firms and is involved in a wide array of business activities in Thailand. STC/Capital Rice Co., Ltd. is one of the top three rice exporters in Thailand, the world's largest exporter of rice. Capital Rice works directly with SMTC to provide a steady supply of high quality raw materials and logistical support. Mitsubishi Corporation, (Japan) utilizes its diverse strengths to provide technical, financial, and marketing support to the venture. Thai MC is a local Japanese partner that provides an important communication link and regional systems understanding to ensure the successful day to day operations of SMTC.

MAIN MARKET

Japan, Europe, USA, Australia and Middle East.

QUALITY / STANDARD

Recognized Quality System:

HACCP Certified by Campden & Chorleywood, London
Good hygienic practice for food plant certified
by Thai Industrial Standards Institute, Ministry of Industry, Thailand

Certificates :

HALAL Certification issued by Sheikhul Islam Office, Thailand

Thailand Brand, the product logo as a symbol of high quality Exports from Department of Export Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand

Membership of Trade Association:

The Thai Chamber of Commerce

The Federation of Thai Industries

PRODUCT & SYSTEM PRODUCTION

Rice Crackers (or "Arare" in Japanese) are a traditional Japanese snack that have grown in popularity all over the world. Its simple ingredient (rice), crunchy taste, and adaptive nature has enabled it to transcend many snack cultures. Once the exclusive snack food of Japanese royalty, rice cracker can now be found in almost every country in the world; from posh restaurant in Paris to singles bars in San Francisco.

SMTC produces over fifty different shapes of rice crackers in a wide array of seasoning variations. A production capacity of more than five thousand metric tons per year assures every customer of a timely shipment. And SMTC continues to research ways of expanding the applications of this traditional, yet trend setting product.

Unlike the production of other snack foods, rice crackers are the result of a substantial investment in manufacturing time and effort. In order to produce the highest quality "arare", more than two weeks of complicated preparation of raw material, base dough, pellet and baking must be undertaken. The result is a snack that is unique in its texture, wholesome in its ingredients, and versatile in its application.

SYSTEM OF PRODUCTION

1) Rice Selection

A special variety of rice (glutinous) is employed to produce rice crackers. Our partner, Capital Rice, carefully selects this raw ingredient, controlling its growth, basic milling, and timely delivery to the production line.

2) Raw Material Cleaning and Control

All raw rice is cleaned and remilled to our exacting requirements. Light\ sorting equipment assures that all material will be pure and consistent in\ color.

3) Water Treatment

Water is an important part of rice cracker production. Thousands of gallons of water must be purified daily to meet the demands of our production. Continuous testing of the water prior to usage is an important part of our intensive quality control programme.

4) Creation of "Mochi" Dough

We then soak the rice for at least fourteen hours in purified water to achieve a uniform moisture level. Afterwards, the rice is ground and then steamed to form a soft, "mochi" dough. This dough is then allowed to cool slightly and kneaded. At this point additional ingredients like sesame seeds are added.

5) "Mochi" Wheel Molds

The hot "mochi" dough is then poured into wheel shaped molds. The weight of each mold must be carefully controlled. Special racks are used to stack the product prior to cooling.

6) Refrigeration

The "mochi" is then slowly chilled for three days until nearly frozen. The slow chilling prevents the "mochi" dough from cracking and preserves its delicate, sweet taste.

7) Cutting

Once the "mochi" wheel is properly chilled and removed from its mold, it is ready to cut. Ribbons of "mochi" are sliced off the wheel and carefully cut into specified shapes.

8) Specialized Cutting

In order to efficiently produce more intricate rice cracker shapes, we employ a tube mold and chop slicer.

9) Drying

The cut "mochi" must now be dried over a period of several days to slowly remove much of the moisture that it contains. Careful management of moisture levels during drying is critical to produce an evenly expanded product during baking.

10) "Standard" Baking Process

Finally, the "mochi" pellets can be baked. We use two different methods in baking to produce a "standard" or "soft" texture in our finished product. A continuous, revolving oven will yield a firm, crunchy product that well suited for "standard" rice crackers.

11) "Soft" Baking Process

A long "bakers" oven allows the controlled baking of larger rice crackers and produces a softer texture.

12) Seasoning

Traditionally, rice crackers have been seasoned with soy sauce blended with other Asian flavors. The application of this type of seasoning is unique in the snack world and requires great skill to be properly done. Our seasoning technicians are the very best at liquid seasoning and continue to research ways to offer additional flavor options.

13) Seaweed Wrapping

SMTC has made a major commitment to the production of classic Japanese seaweed wrapped rice crackers. The high quality product is a result of both hand rolling and semi-automated equipment. Acceptance of our competence in this specialized, ancient art by discriminating Japanese buyers has been the result of intensive training and professional execution of difficult production techniques.

14) Quality Assurance

SMTC has developed unique and intensive quality control procedures to guarantee that a consistent product is always supplied. Ground breaking technology is employed at every step of production to control moisture, density, and expansion. Magnets and metal detectors are used throughout the manufacturing process.

15) Bulk Packaging

The last control of product integrity is performed in an operation room atmosphere. All product receives a careful final examination to confirm that it matches the customers' order and is packed, sealed and marked for shipment.

16) Computerized Weighing

Small, consumer packaging is now available at SMTC. We use highly accurate scales to ensure a consistent packaging weight.

17) Consumer Packaging

We offer the ability to pack in performed and continuous roll film. This capability has allowed us to penetrate new markets and offer greater options for our customers.

18) Loading and Shipping

Each order is custom made to each customer's specific requirements. Ocean containers are carefully inspected and cleaned before loading. Our skilled shipping department will arrange forwarding per the instructions of the client.

SMTC Co.,Ltd.
118 Moo 9 Soi Watmahawong, Poochaosamingprai Road,
Phrapradang, Samutprakarn 10130, THAILAND
Tel : (662) 748-4265 (7 lines)
396-1099, 396-1183
Fax : (662) 399-0206, 399-0148
Email : smtcth@asiaaccess.net.th