Central Vietnam is quickly becoming a rising star in the world of Vietnam manufacturing. With strong infrastructure, growing tech ecosystems, and lower labor costs compared to China, this region is attracting global attention. In a recent Vietnam factory tour, our team visited four diverse facilities: furniture, electronics, garments, and automotive components. From materials sourcing to quality control processes, each stop revealed not only how these factories operate but also why more international buyers are shifting production to Vietnam.
Vietnam’s Manufacturing Growth: A Rising Force in Global Production
Vietnam’s manufacturing sector is rapidly developing and gaining global attention. In the first half of 2025, industrial production recorded a year-on-year growth of 9.2%, the highest increase since 2020. In particular, the manufacturing and processing sector grew by 11.1%, continuing to serve as the main driving force behind the overall industrial growth.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam’s total export turnover in the first seven months of 2025 is estimated to reach US$261.8 billion, up 14.6% compared to the same period in 2024, surpassing the targeted export growth rate. Vietnam’s top exported products include electronics (phones, components, computers), textiles and garments, footwear, wooden furniture, and automotive parts.
Our factory tour video takes you inside four sectors: furniture, electronics, garments, and automotive, to showcase the scale, technology, and export readiness behind ‘Made in Vietnam’.
Furniture & Tiles: A Key Export Sector in Vietnam Manufacturing
Furniture manufacturing is one of Vietnam’s most competitive export sectors, contributing billions to national export turnover each year. In 2024, the industry achieved record exports of US$17.3 billion, positioning Vietnam among the world’s top furniture exporters. Major markets include the United States, the European Union, Japan, and South Korea.
During our Vietnam factory tour in Hue City, we visited a facility that exemplifies a smart integration. The factory operates a vertical production model, sourcing silicate from directly beneath its site and importing key inputs like ceramic glaze from India, South Korea, and Turkey. These materials are mixed using a fully automated system to create ceramic-coated surfaces with a refined, high-end finish — ideal for export.
By relying on non-Chinese raw materials and local sourcing, the factory can issue Vietnam certificates of origin, helping buyers avoid tariffs and streamline compliance. Advanced equipment and in-house foam seating production also help reduce cost and production complexity, reinforcing Vietnam’s reputation as a reliable and value-driven manufacturing base.
Vietnam Electronics Manufacturing: Emerging EMS Destination
Electronics manufacturing services (EMS) in Vietnam are growing rapidly, driven by strong FDI and rising global demand. Vietnam’s electronics industry surged in 2024, achieving an export turnover of US$126.5 billion, which accounted for one-third of the nation’s total export value. EMS providers are expanding capabilities in PCB assembly, box-build, and turnkey production across industries like consumer electronics and medical devices.
Many EMS factories in Vietnam feature SMT lines from Japan, automated optical inspection (AOI), flying probe testing, and cleanroom environments. These ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified sites are at the heart of Vietnam manufacturing, serving clients from Japan, Europe, and North America — many of whom now schedule Vietnam factory tours to explore capacity and quality firsthand.
Vietnam’s EMS sector is also supported by a vibrant tech ecosystem. Cities like Hanoi, HCMC, and Da Nang are home to software firms and AI startups, enabling seamless integration between hardware and embedded software — ideal for IoT and smart device innovation.
Garment Manufacturing: Specialization in ODM and Outerwear
In Vietnam’s vast garment industry, many factories are shifting toward the ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) model, offering ready-made designs and technical patterns. This is an ideal option for buyers who want to bring products to market quickly without investing heavily in product development.
Many factories specialize in woven products such as uniforms, sportswear, and winter jackets. With flexible MOQs, they serve both export markets (the US, EU, Brazil) and domestic startups.
Modern machinery such as quilting machines, seam sealing equipment, and washing lines helps ensure durability and technical standards. The quality control process typically includes both in-line checks and third-party inspections. With thousands of garment factories across Vietnam, understanding each factory’s true area of expertise is essential to finding the right manufacturing partner.
Vietnam Automotive Components: THACO Industries’ Mega Operations
Vietnam’s automotive components industry is gaining momentum as international manufacturers seek alternative supply chain locations outside of China. With competitive labor costs, improving industrial infrastructure, and growing expertise in component production, Vietnam is emerging as a viable base for supplying global OEMs.
One notable example is THACO Industries, which operates one of the most extensive and vertically integrated industrial complexes in Vietnam. Spread across 360 hectares, THACO runs multiple specialized factories, including:
- Plastic injection molding for car interiors
- Automotive glass manufacturing
- Metal structures for trailers and vehicles
- Cables and wiring harnesses for international OEM clients
Its automotive glass plant is fully dedicated to vehicle production, while the cable division exports to global automotive brands. The trailer factory alone produces over 30,000 units annually. As factory tours in Vietnam increasingly attract global buyers, THACO demonstrates how large-scale manufacturers are aligning with international quality standards and export demand, reinforcing the country’s growing role in the global automotive supply chain.
Why Factory Tours Matter for International Buyers
These Vietnam factory tours confirmed one thing: every facility has unique capabilities and areas of expertise. Whether you’re sourcing ceramics, electronics, garments, or industrial parts, the key is to conduct in-person evaluations and ask the right questions.
What we’ve observed across Vietnam is a consistent focus on:
- Cost-effective production
- Export compliance and certification
- Young, adaptable workforces
- A growing ecosystem of tech and industrial support
For buyers looking to switch from China or diversify their supply chain, the “Made in Vietnam” label is not just about low cost, it’s also about agility, transparency, and long-term manufacturing partnerships.
Conclusion
Vietnam is no longer just an alternative, it’s a global sourcing destination in its own right. From furniture to electronics, from garments to automotive, each sector shows maturity and readiness to serve international markets.
Planning a sourcing strategy? Consider scheduling your own Vietnam factory tour. It’s the best way to validate potential suppliers and uncover hidden opportunities beyond what any website can show.