Kitchenware Companies Offer Stainless Steel Meal Trays at 30% Lower Prices Than Army Procurement
PUBLISHED : 7 Sep 2024 at 19:14
Two well-known kitchenware companies are launching promotions for stainless steel meal trays designed to meet military specifications, offering them at prices approximately 30% lower than the army’s recent procurement costs.
Zebra Group and Seagull have capitalized on a recent controversy in parliament regarding the purchase of 10,000 mess trays, which were criticized for being overpriced.
The army had come under scrutiny after Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn from the People’s Party questioned the high cost of 520 baht per tray when cheaper alternatives exist in the market.
Zebra Group recently promoted a six-compartment tray priced at 355 baht, emphasizing its durability and safety. Constructed from food-grade SUS 304 stainless steel as per military standard, the tray measures 29 centimeters wide, 39 centimeters long, and 2.5 centimeters deep, making it easy to clean.
Seagull also offers a similar SUS 304 tray, measuring 28.8 x 39.2 x 6 cm with six compartments, priced at 360 baht, which is their standard price and not part of a promotional campaign.
In response to the allegations raised by Mr. Wiroj, the army clarified that their SUS 304 trays feature 0.8 millimeter thick material to guarantee superior strength and durability, especially for use in remote locations. They noted that standard 201-grade trays are thinner (0.5 mm) and do not meet military specifications.
The army further explained that the lowest bid for its trays was 520 baht, comparable to the promotional prices offered by Zebra at 515 baht and Seagull at 520 baht. Zebra’s regular price for a similar tray is 650 baht, while Seagull’s is 619 baht.
The armed forces reiterated their commitment to fair competition during procurement and affirmed that their trays satisfy strict safety and durability criteria demanded for military use.
During the latest parliamentary discussion on the annual budget, Mr. Wiroj commented that while the army’s trays may be slightly larger than typical models, they fail to meet the actual meal requirements of soldiers, comparing them to “ritual offerings.” He urged the military to focus on enhancing soldiers’ meal quality.
Additionally, he raised concerns about the legitimacy of the winning bidder, questioning whether they are an authorized kitchenware supplier or merely an intermediary typically involved in military procurement.
People’s Party MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn highlighted his criticisms by showcasing a vest made from mess trays during parliamentary discussions on procurement costs.
